William "Bill" Hays

William "Bill" Ned Hays, age 77, of Pine Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the CHI St. Vincent Health System in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Saturday, February 21, 1948, to James Evans and Vivienne Breeden Hays in Joplin, Missouri.
Bill was a beloved and devoted member of the Mena community and surrounding area, known for his servant's heart and genuine love for others. His life was a beautiful reflection of faith, compassion, and devotion, and his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Born and raised in Joplin, Missouri, Bill was the third generation in his family to work at Joplin Furniture Company, a family business that proudly operated for 80 years. From an early age, his playful spirit and sense of adventure were evident. During his preschool years, he and his siblings became known for their mischievous "shenanigans," such as climbing out a second-story dormer during naptime to perch atop the roof until a nervous neighbor alerted their mother, Vivienne, to their daring escapade.
As a youth, Bill enjoyed and excelled at baseball as a left-handed pitcher and also loved basketball. Many fun-filled summers were spent with his family building and enjoying their cabin on Table Rock Lake. Those memories remained among his most treasured throughout his life.
Bill attended North Junior High and Joplin High School, where his gregarious personality helped him form friendships that lasted a lifetime. Following in his father's footsteps, he attended New Mexico Military Institute for his first two years of college before completing his business degree at Missouri Southern College in Joplin.
During his senior year, Bill agreed to a blind date with a University of Arkansas reluctant freshman named Annette Hatfield. Although the evening began with him tossing a towel to Annette asking her to polish the car door handle since she was sitting so far away, that date marked the start of a lifelong partnership. Through 54 years of marriage, Bill and Annette built a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, and faith. They raised two children, Quincy and Gretchen, the joys of their life.
A cradle Presbyterian, Bill spent his life demonstrating Christ's love through his church family. He served faithfully as an Elder and Clerk of Session at the Mena First Presbyterian Church, where his trust in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of his life. He loved singing in church throughout his entire life, sharing his powerful voice that elevated every song and brought joy to those around him.
Bill was a dedicated and hardworking entrepreneur who owned and operated Hatfield Honey and Sorghum Company for many years. Beyond his business, he spent countless hours driving charter buses and joyfully connecting with people from all walks of life. Bill trained as a Chef in his younger years and was an airplane pilot as well. He was admired not only for his strong work ethic and commitment but also for his kindness, humility, and constant willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
A man of many talents, Bill was a gifted actor who shared his passion for the performing arts with the community. He was active in the Montgomery County Council for the Performing Arts and performed in numerous productions at the Ouachita Little Theatre, delighting audiences with his warmth, authenticity, and commanding stage presence.
Bill never met a stranger. His friendliness and genuine care for others made everyone feel welcome. To know Bill was truly to be his friend. A devoted husband, father, and "Poppa", he cherished his family deeply and found his greatest joy in the time he spent with them.
Bill loved his trips traveling with Annette around the world. His life exemplified love, service, and joy. His faith, laughter, and generosity touched countless lives and will be remembered always.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Michael Hays; three sisters, Missy Brill, Cindy Sours, and Deborah Harsh; and his nephews, BJ Hays and Skyler Hays.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Annette Hays of Pine Ridge; one son and daughter in law, Quincy and Elena Hays of Hot Springs; one daughter and son in law, Gretchen and Justin Goodnight of Mena; one brother and sister in law, Bob and Connie Hays of Carl Junction, Missouri; six grandchildren, Katy Anne Goodnight, Koleman Andrew Goodnight, Savannah Marie Goodnight, Quade William Goodnight, Ariana Sophia Hays, Gabriel Alexander Hays; many nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Mena, Arkansas with Pastor Bill Seitz officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Mena, Ouachita Little Theater, or the Montgomery County Council for the Performing Arts.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com
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