Daniel Fite Hays was born to Thomas Edward Hays, Jr. and Betty Jo Fite Hays on February 9, 1965 in Texarkana, TX. He died on January 23, 2021. He was a native of Hope, AR and graduated from Hope Public Schools. He attended the University of Arkansas and Henderson State University. His adult life was spent on his ranch on the Red River near Fulton, AR. He married Kristi Carlton of Bodcaw, AR and together they raised their daughter, Helen Alexandria (Allie) Hays. The couple later divorced. Allie received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Texas Christian University and now lives, and is employed, as a child psychologist in New Zealand. Daniel was predeceased by his father, Thomas Hays, Jr.

He is survived by his daughter, Allie Hays, his mother Betty Jo Fite Hays of Texarkana, TX, and his two brothers, Thomas Edward Hays, III of Galveston, TX and John Julian Hays of Texarkana, TX. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hope, AR and of the Cherokee Tribe.

Daniel was first and foremost an outdoorsman. He loved being out in the natural world and had an astute artist’s eye for obscure detail. Nature was his home, and he found joy in it throughout his life. He was fairly fearless, though he did not seek confrontation. He even once shot and killed a charging bear with his home-made bow and arrow. He had a multitude of friends in high and low places, all of whom he cherished, and they will be telling Dan-tales of adventures and misadventures for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to:  Jason's Box, P.O. Box 194, Moline, IL 61266. Jason's Box is a non-profit Veterans Support group that Dan supported often by taking severely combat injured Soldiers hunting. We hope to continue this support with a future event in memory of Dan.

There will be a private family burial. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com