Arlee Hays

Arlee Trent Hays, 86, of Bradford, departed this life on Saturday, October 16, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bessie Edens Hays and his brother, Gerald "Jack" Hays. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Reba Falwell Hays; a daughter, Joanne Hays Guasco and her husband Ray of Eads, Tennessee; a son, Kevin Trent Hays and his wife Gaye of Conway, Arkansas and two grandsons, Christopher Hays and Raymond Guasco. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends and a faithful dog, Molly. Born December 6, 1923 in Bradford, Mr. Hays joined the United States Navy and served his country during WW II in the Pacific as a Petty Officer First Class. After the war he returned to Bradford to join his father in their family business of radio and television repair. A job opportunity in Chicago, Illinois led him there to work as a dock hand and continue television repair. In 1963, he moved his business, Hays Television Repair, and his family back to his hometown of Bradford. Mr. Hays also owned and operated a men's store during the 1970's in Bradford. Mr. Hays was a faithful member of the Bradford Baptist Church since 1963. During this time he donated his time to make sure the sound system operated correctly, did carpentry and electrical work, drove the church van for various activities and provided guitar accompaniment for his wife, Reba. An automobile enthusiast, Mr. Hays has been a member of the Razorback Antique Auto Club and was currently a member of the Kustom and Klassic Car Club of Searcy. Having restored a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe and a 1955 Buick Roadmaster, he enjoyed showing and driving them in parades throughout the state. In addition to his love for cars, he enjoyed traveling, playing his many guitars and other instruments and spending time with his family and friends. Visitation will be at the Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob, Sunday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Services will be conducted on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bradford Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Heard Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. Memorials to Trent Hays may be made to the Gideons International or Parkinsons Disease Research. www.powellfuneralhome.net.