Ricky Lyndon Hayes, Sr., 71, of Bells, Texas crossed his final checkered flag on April 3, 2026. He was born to Kenneth Lyndon and Dorothy Jean (Helms) Hayes on March 22, 1955 in Springfield, Missouri.
Rick lived his life full throttle—exactly the way he wanted. A race car driver for 40 years, it wasn’t just something he did; it was his greatest passion. Whether behind the wheel or just talking about it, Rick lived for speed, adrenaline, and the open road. It’s safe to say he probably took the scenic route at 100 miles per hour. He worked as an engineer for AT&T and retired after 37 years of service.
Rick could usually be found chasing the next beach. A passionate traveler and devoted beachgoer, he found peace where the sand met the waves, always in search of the perfect sunset.
He was a man of simple joys and legendary humor—rarely seen without that Zima in hand, always ready for an episode of The Simpsons, and never, EVER missing a Washington Redskins game. Rick didn’t just watch life happen—he inserted himself into it like he was the unofficial “fourth stooge,” bringing laughter, chaos, and just the right amount of trouble wherever he went.
Rick never met a stranger—only people who hadn’t heard his jokes yet. His ability to strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone was unmatched. And embarrassment? That simply did not exist in Rick’s world. He lived boldly, loudly, and unapologetically.
Helping others was second nature to Rick. He had a heart as big as his personality, and people—and especially dogs and babies—were drawn to him instantly. There was just something about him that made everyone feel like they belonged in his orbit.
He also had a softer side, which showed in his daily bird watching. Even then, you could bet he was cracking jokes or pointing out something only Rick would notice. He loved to laugh, and more importantly, he loved making other people laugh—usually at the perfect moment, and sometimes when they least expected it.
A constant presence on social media, Rick made sure he stayed connected with friends and family, sharing laughs, thoughts, and funny memes. He had a unique take on life—always rooting for the villains and the bad guys—and proudly called Alice Cooper his hero.
Rick lived life exactly as he pleased: fast, funny, fearless, and full of heart. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and unforgettable stories that will be told (and retold) for years to come.
He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten—and certainly never duplicated.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorothy; his brothers, Clifton and David; and his sister, Tanya.
He is survived by his wife, Tamie; his sister, Tami; and his children: Amy (Johnny), Tracy (Tammie), Ricky, Paul (Shealynn), Jessa (Bryson), Jennifer (Brian), and Jamie (Chris).
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Julianna (Matt), Sherman, Maegan, Logan, Sydnie (Matthew), Dash, Gavin, Kinzlee, Anna, Jayden and a baby girl expected this summer; and his great-grandchildren, Vera and Margo.
Rick is also survived by his beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and the many friends he considered family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ricks favorite foundation in honor of his niece Kinsley. The Kinslow TUBB4A Foundation //tubb4a.org/
Dang Ricky, going to miss you. Gone too soon cuz, tell everyone I said hey in heaven but don’t look for me too soon. To the family, I’m so sad for your loss I don’t have words to make it better but my thoughts and prayers are with you Stanley💔
Beautifully written description of the Rick I knew 🩵🫂 It was such a joy to be with him 😁 I have such great memories of he and his soulmate Tamie sitting on the couch holding hands while we were watching one of their favorite shows and laughing at the same time….. that belly kind of laugh that’s genuine 😅 I knew him for such a short time but every time we interacted whether on Facebook the phone or in person he made the world a brighter place 🌟
I miss you so much already Ricky. I will miss our conversations and laughter for sure. Till we meet again my dear friend. I love you❤️🩹🙏
RIP Ricky
I will miss seeing your posts online. You are one of my most memorable co workers. The many hours installing phone lines and looking for cable trouble are my best memories. Never a time I remember that you were at a loss for words or humor. You truly made the workday better. Our funniest moment was a squirrel on a phone cable that was well endowed. I will never forget the laughter we had over that. I am so truly happy you found the perfect wife to share your life with. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of enjoying life and traveling. In your last lesson you leave us all a lesson of live, love and be happy. I will miss you.
We met in Cosumel and I have been Lucky enough to call you my friend from that day on. You will always be my favorite 44! Any man from Texas who loved the Skins like you did is special. The World is going to miss you more than you know. You treated everyone with a kind heart and made them feel special. I’m gonna miss you brother.
Love Duke
Godspeed Rick, heard the clouds make the best race tracks. Fly high Rocket!
I’m sooo sad & just lost!!! I will miss you so much!! Loved you dearly .. Sending prayers for the whole family…
Rick- thank you for giving my mom her best years of life. Thank you for welcoming us into your heart. My mother, sister, and I truly love you and will never forget your love and grace.
You were more than a step parent to us and didn’t have to be. You will forever remain on our minds and in our hearts. Thank you for being the man to my mom that I wanted her to have. You gave her the love and happiness I grew up watching on 80s movies that I carry into my own marriage.
There will never be another like you dad… Watch over mom for me. I love you.
Rick you will be missed by all your many friends and family. You called me a few days after I got out of the hospital after having a stroke and explained what to expect in the coming days. I had been home for 1 day and I fell and broke my lego. You called again and said girl what the hell are you doing? You’ve called at least once a month since to check on me. All I can is say is Thank you for being a good friend. RIP buddy!!! Fly hush!!!
It is because of you that I met my husband and embarked on the life I live. You will forever be my “Papa Hayes”. I love you dearly.
This is for Tracy and her family. My sincere condolences to your family. God Bless you all! I know you’ll miss him dearly.
Rick, we didn’t have the pleasure of knowing each other for very long, but we connected from the first moment, just as your daughter wrote. We talked as if we’d known each other for years. It was a beautiful afternoon in your beloved Cozumel. Believe me, it was a pleasure to have met you all. We’re going to miss you terribly, all of us who eagerly await your posts. The last time we were in touch was when I found out about the damn cancer, and I sent you my prayers to the angels and archangels. We never stopped praying for your recovery, and now we won’t stop praying for Tamie, whom we’ll keep in our prayers from afar, asking God to watch over her and make her as happy as possible until your paths cross again. Fly high, dear friend, and find peace and joy with your loved ones, who will be just as happy as you are to see each other again. I’m sending you and your family a kiss, and remember that you’ll always have friends in Cancun.