Tommy Lee Hailey, 85, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home April 22, 2020.

Tommy was born Aug. 28, 1934 in Stephens County to the late Minnie Loyce Davis and Thomas Henry Hailey. He was raised in the Ivan area and attended Tarleton in 1953 where he studied wildlife management. He transferred to Texas A&M University and received a biology degree. Tommy’s career as a wildlife biologist spans more than a half century, with 38 years as a staff member for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and 13 years as a wildlife consulting biologist. He also authored or contributed to numerous wildlife publications, was instrumental in establishing the Bighorn Sheep population in the Big Bend Country and pioneered a way of life for the future of wildlife and land management. Tommy had been a tireless worker for the Tarleton Alumni Association and continued to be involved with numerous boards and organizations in Stephens County.

Tommy is survived by his oldest son J.D. Hailey and wife Angie of Mineral Wells, daughter Jana Hailey - Lackey and husband Buba of Ivan, family member Marcus Lambert of Ivan. Granddaughters, Mica Hailey of Breckenridge, Tanna Goodin and husband Terry of Bryson, six great grandchildren, younger brother Clyde Hailey and wife Pat of Irving, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tommy was preceded in death by his first wife Jeanne Rexroat Hailey and daughter Sharon Lee Hailey, second wife Connie Faye Hailey, son Joe Lee Hailey, brother Bill Hailey and wife Dorothy and sister Mary Brian and husband Jack. 

Memorials may be made in Memory of Tommy L. Hailey to the Hendrick Home for Children, P.O. Box 1915, Abilene, TX., 79672.