Donald Ray Hay

May 10, 1956 — August 17, 2025

Donald Hay

Service Details

Donald "Ray" Hay, 69, passed away on August 17, 2025, after many months of declining health. His fight was truly inspiring, and in the end, he passed peacefully in the presence of his family.

Ray was born May 10, 1956, in Bedford, Ohio to his parents, Patricia Louise (Meadows) Hay and Kenneth Arthur Hay.

As a lifelong racing enthusiast, Ray could often be found throughout his life watching NASCAR or at the track on Fridays, either racing himself in his younger years or supporting his sons, who shared this passion as well. If you couldn't find him watching a race, you might have some luck at the casino. Ray will be remembered and celebrated with the sound of any V8 engine revving or slot machine ringing.

Ray's family, and especially his grandchildren, were the light of his life. His later years spent as a devoted grandpa and great-grandpa brought him immense fulfillment.

Ray will be dearly and profoundly missed by all who loved him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 50 years, Theresa (Allen) Hay; his children, Shawn (Malinda) Hay, Kenny (Carrie) Hay, Mike (Megan) Hay, and Brittany (Dusty) Gilson; grandchildren, Courtney, Dylan, Kendra, Tanner, Jordan, Allie, Elliott, Emmitt, Natalie, Addison, Jack, Destiny, Maxx, RaeRae, and Hayden; their families, including 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way; his siblings, Linda (George) Filippakis, Marie Burton, Theresa Wilson, Ben (Marie) Hay, Pamela (John) Ross, Amy (Kenny Napolitano) Hay, and Rick (Lisa) Hay; brother-in-law, Jim Wallace; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Jay; sisters, Wanda Wallace and Connie (Ken) Christner; brother-in-law, Jim Clark; nephew, Little Jimmy; and his aunts and uncles.

Family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a time of sharing starting at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Family asks that guests to please wear jeans and your favorite racing or sports gear (as long as your favorite NFL team is the Cleveland Browns) in his honor.

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