Samuel D. Hays, 77, of Pottsboro, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, surrounded by
family and friends.
Sam was the youngest of twelve children born to Abraham L. and Clara South Hays of
Louisiana, however he was educated in Naylor, Missouri where he grew up. Sam entered the
Army in 1964 in Shreveport, LA. and in 1977 joined the police academy in Texas and began a
long career of law enforcement with various agencies like the Grayson County Sheriff's Dept.,
Howe Police Dept., Bells Police Dept., and the Grayson County College Police Dept.. During
this career, he found a passion for firefighting and instructing. Sam became a fireman in 1978
and became Chief in 1993 until his retirement after 30 years in 2008. He returned to law
enforcement afterwards before retiring in 2018.
Sam leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Patti, daughters Carla Kirkpatrick (James Doyle), Julie
Dryden (Jason Johnson), Tammy Riner and son David Hays, along with his 7 grandchildren;
Alyson, Madeleine, Seth, Liam, Jennifer, Jessica and David. He will be missed by his family and
many friends.
A Masonic Memorial service is planned for December 16th, 2023 at Lakeway United Methodist
Church in Pottsboro, family and friends lunch at 11 AM and service at 1 PM..

Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .