Fayetteville banker, Dallas real estate investor Hayden McIlroy dies - Talk Business & Politics

April 21, 2026 - 04:27

William Hayden McIlroy Jr., a notable figure in Arkansas banking and Texas real estate, died on Sunday, April 19. McIlroy was known both as a Fayetteville bank owner and a Dallas-based investor.

His most prominent business legacy in Arkansas was the ownership of McIlroy Bank, a community institution founded by his grandfather. In 1986, he negotiated the sale of the bank to Arvest Bank, marking a significant shift in the local financial landscape. Following the sale, McIlroy relocated to Dallas, Texas.

In Dallas, he established a successful second career as a real estate investor and developer. His business interests were primarily focused on the acquisition and management of commercial properties. Colleagues remember him as a shrewd and respected businessman who maintained deep ties to his Arkansas roots.

Details regarding his age and cause of death have not been publicly disclosed. McIlroy's passing is noted by associates in both the Northwest Arkansas and Dallas business communities, where his career spanned two distinct and impactful chapters.