Russel Don Hays Obituary (1956 - 2020)

Russell Don (Rusty) Hays of Santa Fe, TX, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 4, 2020, after fighting Alzheimer's Disease. Russell was born February 24, 1956 in Fort Worth, TX of parents Al B. Hays and Margaret Lucille (Russell) Hays. Russ was proceeded in death by his Father, Al B. Hays and nephew Brit Kyle Hays. He is survived by his loving mother, Margaret Lucille Hays, his brother Brad Hays (Eileen,) son Justin Hays and daughter Kianna Kinne (Patrick.) Oh...and his wife Laurel Hays. Russ loved to camp, fish, explore, play guitar and work on his electrical engineering. He worked contract with NASA for over 24 years. During that time, he was part of a team who made the flight hardware for the space shuttle. He also worked on a potable water system for the International Space Station and a locking docking system for the ISS, among other projects. He also donated extra hours to develop a medical device to help diabetics have better wound healing. Up until Alzheimer's made it impossible, Russ was always busy. He worked his day job at NASA then came home to work on his own business. He played guitar for church, fixed everything on the house. Kept the yard nice and rarely watched TV. He would help anyone who needed it and although quiet, always had an easy smile. The words we got used to hearing a lot were, "You are awesome!" and "God loves you." He was the awesome one. There will be no service. No flowers necessary. He is up in heaven and cannot smell them from there, anyway.