William Slaton Hays

William Slaton Hays, age 86, passed away March 3, 2026. Born January 2, 1940, to John and Ruby Jones Hays in Harrisburg PA, where he spent his early childhood before moving at age 9 to Clovis, New Mexico, where his mother was born and his maternal grandparents lived. He graduated from Clovis High School in 1957 and attended the University of New Mexico, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1962 and was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He later earned a master’s degree in business management from the University of Arkansas.

On June 16, 1962, Bill married Rossanna Hamilton of Tucumcari, NM, beginning nearly 64 years of marriage. They had three sons: John, Scott and Greg Hays.

In 1963, Bill entered the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Officer. His assignments included postings in Mississippi, California, Texas, Vietnam, Spain, New Mexico, and Nebraska. Much of his career coincided with NASA’s early astronaut training programs at Edwards Air Force Base. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after 25 combined years of active and reserve service.

Following his military career, Bill and Rossanna became owners and operators of Rain Tunnel Car Wash in Albuquerque, expanding the business to a second location in Old Town. He later served as president of the Southwest Car Wash Association, representing operators across five states.

During their Air Force years of traveling around Europe, Bill and Rossanna realized they needed to explore their own country. After selling the business in 2005 they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada in their motorhome and remained active in the International Holiday Rambler Club.

Bill was known for his infectious laugh, playful humor, love of the Spanish language and culture, and lifelong enthusiasm for classic cars, especially the 1955 Ford Thunderbird.

He is survived by his wife Rossanna; his son Gregory Ross Hays and wife Despina; daughter in law Toni Hays; grandchildren Melina, Sophia, and William Devon; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sons, Infant John and William Scott Hays.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at La Vida Llena, Roadrunner Hospice and Bill’s long-time personal companion who supported Rossanna and family with loving kindness and dedication.

Memorial service will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 9:00 AM at La Vida Llena Health Care in Albuquerque 87111, followed by placement of both Bill’s and son Scott’s ashes at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC or The Full Life Foundation, 10501 Lagrima de Oro Rd NE, #361, or Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, 32256 are appreciated.