William C. Hays

William C. Hays, longtime resident of Moses Lake, went to be with the Lord and Savior Thursday, Feb. 17, after complications from an accident.

William, (Bill) was born June 4, 1935, in Franklin, Ark., to Ewell and Claris Hays. He graduated from High School in Violet Hill, Ark. in 1953. In 1957, he moved to Moses Lake, made numerous life-long friends, and started working with A &W Feedlot. In 1975, the feedlot was purchased by Bob and Dorothy Rebholtz and the name was changed to El Oro Cattle Company. Bill worked for El Oro and retired as their General Manager in 1995. He then continued with El Oro as a customer representative. Bill loved his job and the people with whom he worked.

Bill met his wife, Sharon, while working at El Oro. They were married Jan. 18, 1973. They co/owned a farm near the feedlot with Sharon's parents Harry and Lottie O'Brien till 1983. Bill loved his family and was their rock. His favorite saying was "I love you more than homemade soap!"

Bill was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and strived to share the Lord with all he met. He also loved to sing bass in God's Country trio. Music was in his soul.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of Moses Lake, his children and their spouses; Carol Jean and Birdie Rogers of Cave City, Ark.; Crystal and Robert McMichael of Farmington, Ark.; Bill Hays of Omak and Letha Hays of Moses Lake; Brandi and Larry Bunten of Moses Lake; Amber and Eric Fritts of Sprague. He is also survived by one brother Jack and wife Katy of Ozark, Missouri, 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Shawn Marie Redwine, and one son Shane Holder Hays.

A celebration of life was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, at 2 p.m. with Pastors Gene White, Ron Stricklan, and Eldon Huggins officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Kayser's Chapel.