Obituary for William David Hays
William David Hays, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away March 30, 2023. The son of William E Hays and Norma J Hays, David was born on July 1,1955, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in both Arkansas and Kansas with his brothers, sisters and an abundance of family.
At the age of 17, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his 26 years of loyal dedication and commitment to our country and the United States Marine Corps, he valued this service at the highest regard. During his Military career, he earned and was promoted to the highest enlisted rank, Master Gunnery Sergeant. He earned the national defense service medal for his role in the evacuation of Saigon. As well as, earning several service medals including the humanitarian medal for his role in OPERATION RESTORE HOPE (Somalia). He was tasked with numerous detachments as NCOIC and was assigned several roles as NCOIC within MWSSEAF sections. He retired as Master Gunnery Sergeant at NAS Pensacola where he played a highly regarded role. Filing both billets as OIC/ NCOIC NAS Pensacola MOS 7011. From the schoolhouse boys... Rest easy "Big KAHUNA"... Ooh Rah
He is preceded in death by parents, William E Hays and Norma J Hays (Crews) and siblings, Karolyn Hays, Kenneth Hays (Twins), Leslie Hays (Brother).
David is survived by wife, Stephanie; daughter, Nichol Hays and Madison Pope; son-in-law, Dawson Pope; sister, Sheila Hays and husband Dan McClain of Boise, Idaho; brother, Darrell and Gwen Hays of Derby Kansas; sister, Pamela and Kevin Owens of Haysville, Kansas; brother, Danny Hays of Wichita, Kansas. David is survived by numerous cousins and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Along with all with his MARINE CORPS Brothers and Sisters. SEMPER FIDELIS
A Military Honor Service is planned for William David Hays on April 18, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Location is NAS Pensacola Barrancas Cemetery with a reception to follow (details of the reception are in process). If attending the service, attendees will need to meet at Olive Baptist Church parking lot (103 W Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507) @ 1:00pm to be escorted onto NAS Pensacola.
In addition, a service for his ever-lasting interment will be in Arkansas at a later date for other family and friends.
In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks to donate to the following organizations at their own regard. DAV (Disabled Veterans Assoc), Wounded Warriors Project, Shriners Hospital and St. Jude Hospital.
At the age of 17, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his 26 years of loyal dedication and commitment to our country and the United States Marine Corps, he valued this service at the highest regard. During his Military career, he earned and was promoted to the highest enlisted rank, Master Gunnery Sergeant. He earned the national defense service medal for his role in the evacuation of Saigon. As well as, earning several service medals including the humanitarian medal for his role in OPERATION RESTORE HOPE (Somalia). He was tasked with numerous detachments as NCOIC and was assigned several roles as NCOIC within MWSSEAF sections. He retired as Master Gunnery Sergeant at NAS Pensacola where he played a highly regarded role. Filing both billets as OIC/ NCOIC NAS Pensacola MOS 7011. From the schoolhouse boys... Rest easy "Big KAHUNA"... Ooh Rah
He is preceded in death by parents, William E Hays and Norma J Hays (Crews) and siblings, Karolyn Hays, Kenneth Hays (Twins), Leslie Hays (Brother).
David is survived by wife, Stephanie; daughter, Nichol Hays and Madison Pope; son-in-law, Dawson Pope; sister, Sheila Hays and husband Dan McClain of Boise, Idaho; brother, Darrell and Gwen Hays of Derby Kansas; sister, Pamela and Kevin Owens of Haysville, Kansas; brother, Danny Hays of Wichita, Kansas. David is survived by numerous cousins and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Along with all with his MARINE CORPS Brothers and Sisters. SEMPER FIDELIS
A Military Honor Service is planned for William David Hays on April 18, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Location is NAS Pensacola Barrancas Cemetery with a reception to follow (details of the reception are in process). If attending the service, attendees will need to meet at Olive Baptist Church parking lot (103 W Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507) @ 1:00pm to be escorted onto NAS Pensacola.
In addition, a service for his ever-lasting interment will be in Arkansas at a later date for other family and friends.
In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks to donate to the following organizations at their own regard. DAV (Disabled Veterans Assoc), Wounded Warriors Project, Shriners Hospital and St. Jude Hospital.