It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Christopher “Chris” Ray Hayes, who left us on April 11, 2025, at the age of 34. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who loved him, and his memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Christopher was a beloved husband, father, son, and friend whose kindness, humor, and generosity touched the hearts of everyone who crossed his path.
Christopher, known affectionately as Chris by his family and friends, was a man who lived life with passion and purpose. His vibrant spirit and infectious smile were the defining features of his personality, and he had an innate ability to make people feel comfortable and welcome. Whether it was through a shared laugh, a kind word, or a heartfelt gesture, Chris had the unique gift of connecting with others in a way that made them feel valued and appreciated. He lived his life with integrity, always putting the needs of his loved ones before his own and constantly striving to make the world around him a better place.
As a devoted husband, Chris’s love and dedication to his wife, Sabrina, were the foundation of their relationship. Their bond was built on trust, mutual respect, and an unshakable love for one another. Chris was Sabrina’s greatest supporter, always by her side through life’s challenges and triumphs. Together, they created a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their love story was one of partnership and devotion, and Sabrina will forever treasure the memories they made together. Even in the face of adversity, their love remained strong, and Chris’s unwavering commitment to Sabrina was evident in everything he did. She finds solace in knowing that their love will live on forever in her heart, and she is determined to carry the lessons Chris taught her throughout the rest of her life.
Chris’s love for his children, Vanessa and Alek, was boundless. As a father, he was dedicated to providing for them, guiding them, and nurturing their growth. He was deeply involved in their lives, always there to offer support, encouragement, and advice when they needed it most. Whether it was coaching them through a difficult school project, helping them navigate life’s challenges, or simply spending quality time with them, Chris was an active and loving father. His children were the light of his life, and he poured his heart and soul into raising them. Though they are now left to navigate life without him, they take comfort in knowing that their father’s love will continue to guide them. The lessons he imparted—about kindness, hard work, and perseverance—will stay with them always, and his spirit will continue to inspire them as they move forward in life.
Beyond his immediate family, Chris had a wide circle of friends who admired and respected him for his loyalty, generosity, and kindness. He was the type of friend who could always be relied upon in times of need, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply a comforting presence. His friendships were deeply meaningful, and he formed lasting connections with everyone he met. Chris had an exceptional ability to make people feel at ease, and his friendship was a source of strength and support for many. His friends often described him as someone who would go out of his way to help others, and his selflessness made him a beloved figure in their lives. The love and camaraderie he shared with his friends will continue to be a part of their lives as they hold onto the memories of their time together.
Chris was not only a loving husband, father, and friend, but he was also a valued member of the Amarillo community. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. Whether he was volunteering at local events, supporting community initiatives, or simply offering assistance to those in need, Chris was always willing to make a difference. His contributions to the community, though often done quietly and without fanfare, had a lasting impact on those around him. His sense of responsibility to others and his deep sense of community will continue to inspire all who knew him.
The news of Chris’s passing has left his family, friends, and community in a state of shock and disbelief. His untimely death has brought to light just how fragile life truly is, and those who knew Chris are grappling with the loss of such an incredible person. The pain of his loss is immeasurable, but the love and support of his family and friends have provided some comfort as they navigate their grief. In the wake of this tragedy, tributes have poured in from all corners, with people sharing stories of Chris’s kindness, generosity, and the positive impact he had on their lives. One friend shared, “Chris was the type of person who made everyone feel better just by being around him. He had a way of making you laugh, of making you feel like everything would be okay. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in all of us.”
In honor of Chris’s life, his family has made arrangements for a visitation on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Thomason Funeral Home in Amarillo, Texas. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM, providing family, friends, and loved ones an opportunity to gather and celebrate Chris’s life. The service will be a time to reflect on the love, joy, and kindness Chris brought to the world and to honor the incredible person he was. The family has asked that those attending the service bring their memories of Chris, share their stories, and reflect on the positive impact he had on their lives.
During this difficult time, the family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community. The kindness, prayers, and messages of condolences have been a great source of strength, and the family is finding comfort in knowing that Chris was loved by so many. As they prepare to say their final goodbyes, they take solace in the knowledge that Chris’s legacy will live on through the memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared.
The loss of Christopher Ray Hayes is a devastating blow to all who knew him, but his memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. His spirit will live on through the love and kindness he shared, and his influence will continue to inspire others to live with the same compassion, positivity, and generosity that he embodied every day. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sabrina, his children, Vanessa and Alek, and to all of his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May Chris rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will never be forgotten and that his spirit will continue to guide and uplift those who loved him.
