William "Bill" Hays Jr.

William "Bill" Hays Jr. was born in Oakland, CA to William & Ruth Hays on October 22, 1953. He was raised in Rodeo and Pinole, CA. He attended business college, and later started his own business, Elite Building Construction. He relocated to the Auburn area in the early 1980's and began designing & building his first home. Bill was a member of the Auburn Jeep Club since July 2005 where he developed many lasting friendships. He served as President of the Club in 2009 and 2010. A lifetime prospector of sorts, Bill enjoyed his time in Shirttail Canyon. Each summer he would gather family and friends for "Bill's Shirttail Party". He truly enjoyed spending time with his friends and in his final years joined in many travel adventures, in the United States as well as overseas. Bill was known for his comments. Sometimes they were funny, sometimes cuttingly accurate, but always delivered with his particular brand of personality. His "Bill-isms" were often quoted by his friends. Bill passed in late August 2025. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Hays; children: Corinne Cooper (Matt Finch) and David Hays; grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Ciana, Alexia, Rhone and Hayden; brother Mark Hays and sister, Natalie Park, as well as his Auburn Jeep Club Family. He was predeceased by his father, William Hays. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on October 12, 2025, from noon to 4 at the Foresthill Veterans Memorial Hall 24601 Harrison St. Foresthill, CA.