August 21, 1934 - November 29, 2017
William "Bill" Hays, beloved husband and father, departed this life to be with his Lord on November 29, 2017 in Ft Worth, Texas. He was born August 21, 1934 to the late Harvey and Bertie Hays in Little Rock, Arkansas.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1956, he proudly served as a Captain in the US Army. In 1960, he married Gayle Spence, his "Texarkana Baby".
Bill enjoyed a career with Exxon then became a commercial real estate developer and later a resale business entrepreneur as the owner of 2nd Debut Furniture. The passion of his life however, were the years he spent as an ordained pastor and a volunteer chaplain for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He touched the lives of many men through the Christian Fellowship One-on-One mentoring program and was instrumental in helping build the donated Chapel at the Central Unit. Whether dealing with success or adversity Bill met life with hope and optimism. He was a friend to all and will be truly missed.
The family expresses it's gratitude to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living and Kindred Hospice for the care they so lovingly provided.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gayle; children, Russell Hays, Jennifer Huckabay and husband Bryant; brother, James Hays and wife Betty; and a host of extended family and friends.
To Celebrate Bill's life, Family and friends will gather at Church At The Cross, 3835 S Dairy Ashford St, Houston, Texas, 77082 to celebrate a life well lived at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 16, 2017, with reception to follow.
Bill will be laid to rest by family at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Memorials may be made to Church At The Cross or to the charity of your choice.
So sorry to hear my cousin Bill passed. He was a great guy and I looked up to him as he was older than me. He was such a successful business man. Even more than that, Bill did so much to advance the Kingdom of God.
Eddie and Debbie Glover
James, I don't know how to get in touch with you. Please give me a call at (501) 472-3552.
Thank you Bill for a life long friendship and all your Love! Billy and I will always Love you ! God's blessings my dear friend.
Billy and LaRee Lyons
Our deepest condolences are extended yet our hearts rejoice having had first hand experience of a vessel who feared and loved God. One whose Spirt was strong and willing regardless of his temporal infirmities. An Oracle whose discipleship will ever be remembered and appreciated through generations to come. We love and miss you. What a favored family to have you as Husband, Father, and Servant.
Comfort and love for Gay, family, and caring others. Many fond memories of being together, Bill & Gay’s marriage, births of Russ & Jenni and their early growing up years with the other 5 Spence cousins. We see Bill in God’s Love, peace and light. He lived in the light of God’s peace and we are comforted at the time of his loss.