Obituary of Marvin Russell Hailey Jr.

Marvin “Rusty” Hailey, 78 years old from Carrollton, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on May 5th, 2023, at 10:35 pm. He is survived by his wife, Anita Hailey, and his children, Sonja Blevins and Casey Hailey, his granddaughters, Bailey Blevins and Heather Blevins and his beloved dog Lizzie.

After graduating from high school, Rusty was drafted by the St Louis Cardinals to play baseball. Shortly after, Rusty joined the efforts in Vietnam and was assigned to the army’s accounting department in Paris, France. Rusty attended LSU, where he received his degree in accounting and finance. Rusty worked in banking and finance and received many accolades and awards for his achievements.

One of his favorite pastimes was running. Rusty belonged to several running clubs in the Dallas area and made many special friendships. He ran in marathons all over the country and in one of his favorite places, San Diego, he crossed the finish line with the running Elvises at the Rock n Roll marathon.

He loved music, from classic rock like the Eagles and Bob Seger, to classic country, such as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. He knew every song and every lyric. Elvis was his king, and he has a lunch box to prove it.

Rusty volunteered at Operation Kindness, spending time with the animals, helping with adoption events and taking the dogs on much-anticipated walks. He volunteered for Carrollton CitizenPatroll and went on ride-alongs with Carrollton’s finest, who protect and serve. Rusty was a member of the First Baptist Church of the fields and looked forward to Sunday School and the church family he had come to know and love. He volunteered and attended church events, most recently the Senior’s trip to Fredericksburg and San Antonio.

A true sports fan, especially baseball. His favorite teams, LSU Tigers football and baseball, the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. His weekend activities were scheduled around important games.

He was obsessed with his grandchildren. He taught them life lessons like a father with all the spoilings of a grandfather. Always there for them with tremendous unconditional love and nurturing.

Rusty may be best remembered for his dry, witty, and sometimes inappropriate humor. His silly, cryptic texts and off-the-wall comments at just the right moment kept us laughing.

He is predeceased by his father, mother and younger brother Tommy who passed away in early 2021. Tommy, a musician, shared Rusty’s love for music and baseball. Rusty had a special place in his heart for his nephew Brandon. Rusty believed in heaven, our pets that have passed on can speak to us. I am sure Frisco will have a lot to tell him.

Baseball, Apple pie, and Rock as Roll…….he loved it all. A true Renaissance man that will be missed terribly by all that knew and loved him.