William Hayden McIlroy Jr. Obituary
The memory of William Hayden McIlroy Jr. of Fayetteville, Arkansas, who passed away on April 19, 2026 at the age of 86, will forever remain in the hearts of those touched by this precious presence in their lives. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, William Hayden McIlroy, Sr. and Corin Kays McIlroy; and his grandson Spencer McIlroy Hawkins. He is survived by: his wife Mary Joe; his daughters, Melissa McIlroy Hawkins (Drake) of Little Rock, Melinda McIlroy of Fayetteville and Michelle Nicole McIlroy of Dallas; his grandchildren, Anne-Elise Hawkins Parker (Brad) of Bella Vista and Walker Kays Hawkins (Asia) of Little Rock; his great grandchildren, Faye McCollum Parker, McIlroy "Mac" Hawkins Parker, John Bradley Parker and Adelaide Spencer Hawkins; his daughters, Misty, Hayden, Bird and Beeze; his close friends, Jim Blair, Michael DeStefano, John Gourley, Joe Giroir, Levon Helm, John Lewis, David Pryor, Harold Simmons, Jim Tatum, Don Tyson, Barry Andrews of Jim Hammond, J. L, Huffines, Max Williams and Winston; Dash.
In honor of Hayden, memorials may be made to the University of Arkansas McIlroy Family Visiting Professorship in Performing and Visual Arts, c/o U of A Gift Administration, 481 S. Shiloh Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704; St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1190, Fayetteville, AR 72702; or any animal welfare organization.
