Wallace Edwin “Wally” Hays, 79, of Van Buren entered into heaven Friday June 24, 2016 in Fort Smith. He was born August 31, 1936 to Jim and Wilma (Usher) Hays. He was a graduate of Van Buren High School, a member of First Baptist Church and the Community Bible Class. He worked at Hays Trading Post, Dixie Cup, where he retired after twenty years, and then worked at Breeden Dodge for several years. He was an avid rancher raising cattle. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children Patricia Neal Hays, his parents and one brother Tommy Hays.

He is survived by his wife, Kay of the home; three daughters, Patti Thomas and her husband Brad, Cindi Carter and her husband Vestal, Melissa Catron and her husband Dr. Kyle all of Van Buren; one son Dr. Wallace Haden Hays and his wife Lynn of Van Buren; seven grandchildren, Skylar Hays and his wife Kelley, Justin Thomas, Austin Thomas and his wife Lindsay, Lyndsay Rucker and her husband Chapen, Tyler Carter, Isabella and Connor Catron; five great-grandchildren, Anna Shields, River Hays, Addison Rucker, Brady and Penelope Thomas; three sisters, Jeanne Mendenhall and her husband Don of Van Buren, Anne Spellman and her husband Mark of Alma, Marilyn Ballentine and her husband John of Alma; four brothers, Dr. J.B. Hays and his wife June of Fayetteville, Darrell Hays and his wife Joann of Fort Smith, Alvy Hays and his wife Shirley and Dr. Elliott Hays and his wife Sherry both of Van Buren.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday June 27, 2016 at First Baptist Church Chapel of Van Buren with private burial in Gracelawn Cemetery under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. Mr. Hays may be viewed Sunday June 26, 2016 from 8:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. Sunday at Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Skylar Hays, Justin and Austin Thomas, Lyndsay Rucker, Tyler Carter, Isabella and Connor Catron. Honorary pallbearers will be Toby Breeden, Keith Glass, Dr. Wendall Ross, Raymond Harris, Dennie Snow, Steven Little, Kevin Hightower, Bill Rhynes, Thurmon Williams, Melvin Williams and Clyde Booth.

Wally touched the lives of many, especially his beloved family and friends. He had a tough love and no-nonsense personality that was endearing to all who knew him. One never had to wonder how he felt about things. He was a man of few words, but what he said, he meant. He was from a generation that demanded a strong work ethic and Christian values. He loved the outdoors and working with his cattle and his horses. He and his dog, Hurley, were inseparable. His tough exterior was misleading because he had the kindest heart and was always there for his family and close friends. He will be missed immensely but we take comfort in the fact that we will see him again.

Donations may be made to either the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Highway Fort Smith, AR 72904 or to Open Hands Ministry at First Baptist Church, 1121 E. Main Street Van Buren, AR 72956.