William "Bill" Hays

William "Bill" Hays, beloved husband and father, departed this life to be with his Lord on Nov. 29, 2017, in Ft. Worth, Texas. He was born Aug. 21, 1934, to the late Harvey and Bertie Hays in Little Rock, Ark. 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. 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 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, with reception to follow. Bill will be laid to rest by family at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock, Ark. Memorials may be made to Church At The Cross or to the charity of your choice. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.