Hayes McClerkin

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Hayes McClerkin (December 16, 1931 – January 6, 2016) was an American lawyer and Democratic politician from Arkansas. He served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1960 to 1970 and was the Speaker of the Arkansas House in 1969 and 1970.

Early life and education
McClerkin was born and raised in Texarkana, Arkansas. He was a close childhood friend of Ross Perot. He attended Arkansas High School, played football, and earned a Bachelor of Science in commerce from Washington and Lee University. He served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1956. He then earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Career
After law school, McClerkin was admitted to the Arkansas Bar and started a small legal practice with his former classmates, later joining a larger firm. He represented Arkansas in the House of Representatives from 1960 to 1970 and served as Speaker in 1969 and 1970. He ran for governor in 1970 but was not elected. In the 1980s, he worked as a law professor at the William H. Bowen School of Law. From 1993 to 1995, he served as a Legislative Liaison under Governor Jim Guy Tucker and chaired or advised several Arkansas organizations.

Personal life
McClerkin had three daughters. In retirement, he lived on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. He passed away on January 6, 2016, in Texarkana, Arkansas, at the age of 84.