Dedication of Ralph G Hays Boat Ramp in 1983.
Starting from the left: Mr. Denton, Claud Hays, Buena Hays (Ralph’s wife), Mayor Bill Newman
Starting from the left: Bill Hays (Ralph’s brother), Emma Hays (Ralph’s mother), Robin Bently Hays, Rebecca Hays Willett, Donna Hays holding Travis Hays, Jere Hays holding Charlotte Hays Bugg, Buena Hays (Ralph’s wife).
The Atkinson boat ramp, scheduled for completion within a month, will be named in honor of the late Henderson city commissioner, Ralph G. Hays. Last night, the commission presented a resolution to Hays’ widow, Buena, who completed her husband’s city commission term after his death in 1981. The commission cited Hays’ “dedication to the principles of family recreation” and the boating needs of the community. Hays was a commissioner when the ramp was first proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers and urged the city to pursue the project, which has spanned more than a decade. The official name of the ramp will be the “The Ralph G. Hays Boat Launching Facility.”