T. A. Hayhurst (Tulia)

T.A. Hayhurst, 87 went to join his Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 12th, 2013 in Plano, Texas. Cremation has taken place in Plano. At a date to be announced, there will be a Memorial Celebration of his life. Born in Vernon, Texas on March 21st, 1926, the oldest of 9 children, the son of Temple & Clara (Jones) Hayhurst. T.A. joined the Navy in January 1944. He served on the USS Barnes Ship. He was discharged on March 19, 1946 at which time he returned to Tulia and graduated from Tulia High School in May 1947. He then attended Abilene Christian College. On May 16th, 1945 T.A. married Beatrice Willetta George. Beatrice passed away on February 27th, 1969. On February 9th, 1970 T.A. married Texie Gene (Armstrong) Hood. They joined their two families together to make one. Their home has always been built on the solid rock – Jesus Christ. A family was made through their love. The growth of each one brought forth more love. That love goes on and on. This was the beginning of the “Hayhurst Herd”. T.A and W.A. Amburn opened A&H Printing on September 1st, 1958. TA purchased Amburn’s interest in the business, which TA operated until September 1st, 2003. He served as Tulia City Councilman from 1976 to 1980; and as Mayor from 1980 to 1988. He was an active member of Central Church of Christ, serving as Deacon and Elder. He was very active in the Community of Tulia. He spent many summers umpiring Little League Baseball. He also served on Lions & Kiwanis’s Club and the Board of MHMR in Plainview. T.A. and Gene left Tulia and moved to Plano, Texas in 2011. T.A. and Gene were awarded the Pioneer Spirit Award in 2006. He was a devoted family man and husband. His family was the most important thing in his life. TA is preceded in death by his parents, Temple & Clara Hayhurst, 2 sisters Dona May & Betty, 4 brothers –Billy Ed, twins Lloyd and Boyd, and Roy, daughter Theresa and great granddaughter Tiffany Golden. Survived by his wife Gene, 5 daughters – Nancy (Ron)Melton, Barb (Rod)Hall, Bonnie Ruland, Tina (Rod) Chisholm, and Barbara (Mike) Poggis, 21 Grand Children, 45 Great Grand children and 5 Great Great Grand children, brother Wes (Joanne)Hayhurst and sister Jessie(Charles) McKone, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, T.A.’s wishes were that donations be made to Childress Church of Christ, Honduras Fund, PO Box 239, Childress, TX 79201.