After Creating Countless Smiles, Family Favorite Garbage Truck Driver in Abilene Retires

Family favorite Abilene, Tx. garbage truck driver retires following years of serving the community and a friendly staple among residents.

After six years of work, Gordon Hayes is entering retirement.

“I’ve been a bus driver before, so I decided to go ahead and apply with the city and was able to get a job,” explained Hayes. “Meeting the people kind of getting to know the residents, you know, you see them twice a week,” said Hayes.

Through the years, Hayes’ presence and friendliness made him a beloved figure with families on his route.

“Several of them began coming out and talking to me about problems they were having. Kids would come out, and the parents would teach their kids how to do the big horn,” said Hayes.

Hayes would chat with families and blow his truck’s horn for kids, bringing smiles to their faces. But one specific interaction will always remain as Hayes’ most memorable.

“I honked the horn, and the little girl jumped up and down and was like wow, you know, and then she started sign languaging to her father, and she felt the vibration of it, and I thought that was really amazing to me,” expressed Hayes.

Hayes says he will spend his retirement completing his online degree in Hebraic studies and spend time with his family.

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