George Allen Hays

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 Sept. 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 38 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, Texas; his son, George Anderson Hays and his wife Erika of Brentwood, Tenn.; his daughter, Diana Hays Nix and her husband Tim of Nolensville, Tenn.; his step-daughters, Shelly Summers of Destin, Fla. and Wendy Whitworth and her husband Chad of Denton, Texas. 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, Ark. and Donald Hays of Randleman, N.C.; 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 18 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, Ark. 72211, (501) 224-8300 on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 from 6–8 p.m. 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, Ark. on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 2 p.m. 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, Texas 75063 or St. James Methodist Church Building Fund, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.