Thomas A. Hayes, MD

Thomas (Tom) passed peacefully, at home, on Friday, March 3, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1933 in Gainesville, Texas to Thomas A. Hayes and Oma Gardner Hayes. He has two siblings, Mary Hayes Townsley, who preceded him in death; and Daniel Hayes, who resides in Bay City, Texas.

Tom graduated from Gainesville High School in 1950, from North Texas Teachers College in 1954 and with an MD from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas in 1958. He then served 3 years in the US Army from 1958-1961, serving at Brooke General Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico as an Army medical officer, attaining the rank of Captain. After his military service, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he practiced as a family physician from July 1961-September 1995.

In 1964, Tom married Ruth (Joy) Hardin. They raised 6 children and have 12 grandchildren. Tom is survived by Tami Hayes Joslin (Pete/Katy and Anna) of Durango, CO, Todd Hayes of Albuquerque, Bruce Hayes (Saundra/Taylor, Madison, Makenna, Maile) of Spring, TX, Max Hayes (Molly/Kelsey and Kenzie) of Albuquerque, Rick Hayes (Janice/Gabi, Jack, Owen, Avery) of Annandale, Virginia, and Meg Hayes (Lisa) of Celina, TX.

Tom and Joy both enjoyed the practice of medicine and had a solo practice for their last 15 years. He was the doctor, she was the nurse, and business manager. Everyone left the office with a smile on their face, no matter how sick they were. Tom and Joy saw 30-40 patients per day and loved them all dearly. After many years of retirement, they still see many of their old patients out in the community.

Tom and Joy have remained active in the community during retirement, such as volunteering as greeters at the ABQ BioPark and helping out at Central United Methodist Church. They moved to the Manzano Del Sol Retirement Community in 2015.

Before his death, Tom said that he would like to thank his family and friends for the many blessings he had in his life. He is especially thankful for his wonderful marriage to Joy, who blessed his life as a friend, wife, and companion, for 58 years.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central United Methodist Church, https://www.centraltolife.org.