George Allen Hays

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
St. James United Methodist Church
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
2:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions
The David N. Holt Memorial Scholarship c/o Tom Walker
Dallas Cowboys Football Club
#1 Cowboys Pkwy
Irving, TX  75063


St. James Methodist Church Building Fund
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212
George Allen Hays

of Little Rock, AR

September 15, 1934 - July 12, 2014

George Allen Hays, of Little Rock, passed away on July 12, 2014, surrounded by his family at home, from complications of a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born in Little Rock on September 15, 1934 to George Bernice Hays and Brooksie Seamans Hays.

George was the eldest of four children, grew up on the east side of Little Rock and graduated in 1953 from Little Rock Senior High (now Central High.) In the early years, George's family struggled financially, but their warmth, love, and faith in Christ provided him with all he would need to be successful beyond his wildest dreams. He developed a strong work ethic at a very early age and spent much of his time at the Little Rock Boys Club and Lamar Porter Field, where he coached baseball and basketball to the younger boys including legendary hall of fame baseball player, Brooks Robinson.

After graduation George attended Little Rock Jr. College for two years where he played basketball and was elected ''Joe College'' (most popular man on campus). Working hard and paying his own way through school, he transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he earned a degree in Marketing. George was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, serving as treasurer and playing an instrumental role in the building of the fraternity house where the Phi Delt's live today. After graduating in 1958, he began working as a salesman at Frank Lyon Company where he discovered his life's passion and career sales and sales management. He was passionate about selling and took pleasure in mentoring young people. After a 20 year career at Frank Lyon, he decided to leave his position as Executive Vice President to explore a variety of business opportunities including investment banking, oil and gas and was a partner in an independent investment company Hansen, Hooper and Hays.

In 1989, through his long personal and professional relationship with Jerry Jones, George made significant life changes. When purchasing the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry knew he would need the talent and skills of a true salesman. He asked George to join him in Dallas as Vice President of Marketing, where he served in that capacity until his retirement in 2004. George was passionate about the Dallas Cowboys organization - he deeply loved the Jones Family, the team, and the experiences unique to the NFL.

All who knew George would say he was a man of integrity, who loved his family and friends. He had a passion for golf, hunting and travel and loved his ''Men Trips''. He was the ultimate competitor and was driven to win, always working hard and playing hard. George was a people person who never met a stranger. Once retired, most afternoons he could be found on the putting green, on the driving range, or playing gin rummy in the Men's Grill at Pleasant Valley Country Club, of which he was one of the founding members.

George married Barbara Anderson in 1958. They were married for thirty-eight years, had three children and six grandchildren. They remained close friends to the end.

While living in Dallas, George met Barbara Fitzgerald and they married in 1999. After retirement in 2004, George and Barbara relocated back to Little Rock, where he enjoyed reconnecting with old friends. Barbara was a devoted and loving wife who shared his passion for travel, friends, and golf. She worked tirelessly caring for him during the later stages of his disease. Barbara brought George great happiness throughout their 15 year marriage.

George is survived by his wife, Barbara Fitzgerald Hays, his former wife, Barbara Anderson Hays, his daughter Robin Hays Woith and her husband Randy of Frisco, TX, his son George Anderson Hays and his wife Erika of Brentwood, TN, his daughter Diana Hays Nix and her husband Tim of Nolensville, TN, his step-daughters Shelly Summers of Destin, FL and Wendy Whitworth and her husband Chad of Denton, TX. George is also survived by his grandchildren - Colton Woith, George Hays, Brandon Nix, Barrett Nix, Brooksie Nix, Rylan Whitworth and his siblings - Patti Lindow of Benton, AR and Donald Hays of Randleman, NC and many much loved nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Brooksie Hays, his sister Glenda Spann and his eldest grandson, David Holt.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Mary Hurley and her compassionate staff of caregivers who loved and worked tirelessly to care for George over the last eighteen months. In addition, we want to recognize Arkansas Hospice and especially Paula Keith, who has been there to comfort and counsel the family throughout his long battle with this disease.

Visitation will be held at Roller Chenal Funeral Home located at 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501) 224-8300 on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm. A Memorial Service to celebrate George's life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church located at 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be sent to either:

The David N. Holt Memorial Scholarship
c/o Tom Walker
Dallas Cowboys Football Club
#1 Cowboys Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063

St. James Methodist Church Building Fund
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72212

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18 Condolence(s)
Richard A Webber
Dallas, TX
Liked
Wednesday, July 23, 2014

My condolences to all of George's family. I knew George at LRHS, LRJC and UAF. I think he was at ESJH when I was there. Years later when I was a homebuilder, I bought lots of stuff from him at Frank Lyon Co. For all of his life George was such a nice guy that he made all of his friends look bad. I know that he will be sorely missed. God Bless you Barbara Anderson. God Speed GAH. L RAW

Debbie and Dave Rader
Plano,
Liked
Monday, July 21, 2014

Barbara, we wanted to be there but were in Europe. George was a great friend and a good person. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and family.

Debbie and Dave Rader.

Bill and Jane Seamans
Laurinburg, NC
Liked
Thursday, July 17, 2014

George Allen was my cousin. He was also a dad, a husband, a brother and a friend. After the passing of our grandmother and his mother the Seamans, Hays, Birch and Ryals families George Allen became one of elders that held these families together. We loved him and will miss him.

Bo Plyler
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 17, 2014

Robin & Diana,
Sorry for your loss.

Candy Rhoades
Conway,
Liked
Wednesday, July 16, 2014

I am very sad to learn of Mr. Hays' passing. He was very kind to me all the years I worked in the office at PVCC. He was a great man who will not be forgotten. God bless his family during this difficult time.

Cindy Davenport
Mountain Home, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Diana: So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you. Cindy

Carolyn and Jim Manning
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Dear Family,
Jimmy and I are deeply saddened by George's passing and the long illness he endured, and yet grateful the suffering has ended for him and all of you.
We will always cherish the good memories and the good times we had together. George was so vibrant with such unstoppable energy and wit which brought joy to all those in his presence. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Carolyn and Jim Manning

Ruth Haynes Kenney
Midland, TX
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

I was so sorry to hear about George. I knew he was ill, but it is still a shock to know he passed away. He and I became good friends when we were in the 10th grade at LRHS. We were in the same home room for three years and then ended up at LRJC together. At our class reunions, we would catch up on each other's lives. He was a big teaser and full of personality and wit. I was so happy for his success in life. My condolences go out to all of his family. He will be greatly missed.

Erin Peachin
Naples, FL
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

Barbara...Mom and I send our love and prayers to you and the family...we certainly will miss George and his jokes and his laughter ! Love, Erin and Joanne

Mary Shere
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

George was a real character that left memories on everyone that came into his life. He will be missed by many and in a wide spectrum of ways. He was indeed one of the "good guys" and I'm proud to say he was my boss and my friend. My sincere condolences to Robin, George, and Diana and to Barbara and Barbara.

Dr. and Mrs. Bill Hayden
Little Rocl, AR
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

Our deepest symmpathy to the Hays Family from the Hayden Family.

Scotty & Carol Freebairn
Little Rock,
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

George was a good friend for many years, and contributed significantly to the success of every endeavor he addressed. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Hayes family.

Coach Harold & Carolyn Tilley
Monticello, AR
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Keith Noble
Rogers, AR
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

George and Diana, I am sorry for your loss. I will never forget the time and wisdom your dad shared with me on initiation night. Though we had never met prior to that night, he took time and shared a moment with me that I still carry with me. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

James Lore
Clinton, TN
Liked
Monday, July 14, 2014

George 'coached' numerous kids at the LR Boys Club & @ LP field, in both athletic training,and, as a general counselor. I will always cherish our brief friendship. Best wishes to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim Lore

Suzanne Siebert
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 13, 2014

George, We have a hole in our heart. Will miss you dearly and forever be grateful to have loved you and been a recipient of your friendship.

GW Sorrells
Marion, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 13, 2014

Sorry for you loss Otis and Diana.

Sandra Thompson
Homer, LA
Liked
Sunday, July 13, 2014

I have so many memories of staying with Uncle Bernice and Aunt Brooksies in the summers and George and Donnie picking at me.We have such a caring family. Love and prayers to all. I am so sorry I can not come.