Gary David Amos Hays
Gary David Amos Hays aka Boogie Man, age 77, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away on 12/16/2025 peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.
He was a devoted husband and partner to his loving wife Karen. He was a dedicated father, whose presence brought steadiness, strength, and love to those around him.
Born on 08/21/1948 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Gary was raised by loving family. His mother and father Loy Louise and Guy T. Freeland and his grandparents W. O. aka Fat Daddy and Corrine Hays. How blessed Gary was throughout his childhood to be so adored.
After his graduation from Northside High School in 1967 he attended Memphis Academy of Arts in Memphis, Tennessee. His major was commercial advertising with a minor in photography. After his graduation he knew early on that he desired to work for himself. This background allowed him to be a pivotal component in the KISR vans and to design the KISR logo that the radio station still uses to this day. Boogie Man’s Custom Emporium began through his talent in fabricating motorcycle frames, dune buggy frames, and countless customized airbrushed artwork on motorcycles, trucks, cars, and boats. Gary received many outstanding awards for his painting. Gary incorporated wood carving and silk screening during these years as well. Also in these years Gary put on many events. Including sled pulls, mud runs, motocross, bicycles, dune buggy racing, drag racing, and hill climbs at Boogieville Off Road Park, which he managed. Gary designed and built with a friend his concept of a 1934 Speedster, which was shown as a featured vehicle at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. These are just a few of his accomplishments through his artistic talent. As an inventor Gary designed a modular steel building system and in 1985 Erecta Shelters, Inc. was established. With the outstanding partnership at Erecta Shelters Gary’s job was to make people’s dreams come true. Through Erecta Shelters many containers were shipped to Haiti where Gary traveled 15 times building schools, churches, and clinics.
Above all else, Gary was a caring person and often directed people with advice. He showed his love through teaching by example. His lessons both spoken and unspoken—will continue to live on. “As we believe, we will be” (Gary, n.d.).
In his personal life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, baseball, coaching, painting, the great outdoors, and always with a sketchbook at his side he was constantly making notes and drawings of new inventions. He will be remembered for his stories, his advice, his kindness, and for always being someone others could count on.
He is survived by his loving wife and partner Karen Lee Hays; his children Heather Maliah Hays, Gary David Hays, Happy Chantel Hays, and Joshua Hawk Hays. He has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A loving brother Thomas Michael Freeland.
Services will be held at Edward’s Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Visitation is Monday, December 22nd 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral is Tuesday, December 23rd 11:00 am. Gary will be buried at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood, Arkansas.
Though he is no longer with us, Gary’s love, values, and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Luke 23/43 “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Visitation: December 22, 2025, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Funeral Service: December 23, 2025, 11:00 am, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.