Tommy Van Haley

Wimberley native and beloved father, Tommy Van Haley, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 3, 2018. Van was born in Wimberley on March 15, 1938 to Tommy “TJ” and Josie (Harris) Haley. His grandparents were Walter and Mattie (Gay) Harris of Wimberley and Alan Jefferson and Maude (Waterhouse) Haley of Mason, Texas.

Van had an idyllic childhood playing along the Blanco River. He loved to hunt and fish. Van and his parents, Jack Oldham, Curlo Morris, Bill Smith, Dwayne Berry and their families fished at Port Isabel for over twenty years. These men were also dedicated to fishing area lakes, and they enjoyed fish fry’s at the Oldham’s.

“Cotton”, as he was nicknamed, graduated from San Marcos High School in 1956 and attended Southwest Texas. Early in life he worked for his uncle, John E. Harris, to help build the steps up Old Baldy. In 1960 he went to work for his father-inlaw, Floyd Smith-general contractor. Then he started his own general contracting business and built in Wimberley for 30 years. He was entrusted with expansion of the vault for Wimberley Bank (now Ozona) in 1983, constructed the bank drive-through building and many of the fine homes in Wimberley.

Van Haley became a lay-minister for the Wimberley Christian Church in the mid-1960’s. In 1983 he was ordained and served as pastor for years. Van was a charter board member of the Wimberley Lions Club serving as the first Vice-President and the second President of the club (1970-71 year). He worked to start Market Days, initially held on the square, then participated in moving them to the present location. Van served on the Board of Directors of the Wimberley Bank, the Chamber of Commerce and the Wimberley School Board when they formed Hays Consolidated.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s Van loved playing volleyball and softball. He coached several of the children’s teams into the 1980’s. He also enjoyed coffee with friends at the Dinner Bell, playing cards and dominoes, woodworking and travelling.

Van is survived by his second wife Joyce Haley of Smithville. His children: Cindy Haley of Wimberley; Laurie Herring and husband, Kevin of Houston; Deborah Haley; Vanessa Jones and husband, Aaron; Benjamin Haley and wife, Leslie; Daniel Haley; and their mother his first wife Carolyn, all of Wimberley. Four grandchildren: Tristan and Cole Jones and Sterling Van and Clyde Benjamin Haley- all of Wimberley; aunt, Louise Kensing of Brady; nephews, Jeff Everett and Jason Jenkins; and nieces,

Melinda Everett and Carrie Jenkins Lujan; three stepdaughters: Carrie McKirahan and husband, George; Brenda Stevens and husband, Greg; Linda Harmon and one step son, Troy Sabrsula and wife, Heather; twelve step-grandchildren and four stepgreat grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 25, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Wimberley, with a gathering following at the VFW Hall. Donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center.