Charles W. Mays

Charles W. “Bill” Mays, age 90, Rt. 1, Farmington, passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side in his home on Tuesday afternoon, March 3, 2015. Born August 1, 1924 in Farmington, he was a son of the late Charles and Sarah Ullom Mays.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda M. Smith and her husband Bud and Karen E. Mays all of Farmington, and JoAnn Shirey and her husband Doug of Charlotte, NC; his four grandsons, Charles W. “Jason” Smith, II and his wife Cathy of Morgantown, Matthew D. Smith of Farmington, and James Christopher “Chris” Shirey and his wife Stephanie and Andrew M. Shirey and his wife Caitlin all of Charlotte, NC; five great-grandchildren, Austin Charles Smith of Hubbard, OH, and Charles Logan Shirey, James Noah Shirey, Sarah Shirey and Ryan McLady of Charlotte, NC; four step-grandchildren, Jeremy and Zachary Reeder, and Jordan and Taylor Thorn all of Morgantown, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his grand-dog, Maxi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of more than 60 years, Norma Jean Mullenax Mays on October 15, 2007; five brothers, Bernard “Bud” Mays, Glenn “Buck” Mays, Sherman “Tusky” Mays , Harold “Crook” Mays and Delbert E. Mays; and five sisters, Hattie Palmer, Gladys Haught, Betty Tetrick, Ethel Hoy and Bernice “Sis” Wolfe, making him the last surviving member of his immediate family. Additionally, he was also preceded in death by his buddy and faithful dog, Rawley Joe.

Bill worked as a sand prep operator and molder’s assistant at Helmick’s Corp. for several years before retiring in 1980. A veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, he served in World War II in Japan, having his service cut short by a vehicle accident that had him hospitalized for several months with extensive injuries.

Along with several other residents from Rt. 1 of Farmington and the Sunnyview Acres Community, he was instrumental in helping to establish the Sunnyview Acres Water System.

He enjoyed camping and fishing, and working outdoors in his younger years. He and his wife were always very supportive of their children and grandchildren in all their endeavors and functions. Together, they volunteered working at the concession stands at North Marion High School home football games for the Band Boosters program.

He enjoyed the simple things of life - sitting in his back porch swing, tending to his garden with his late wife, watching NASCAR races and boxing matches, and rooting on the North Marion Huskies, WVU Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers. But above all, he was most proud of his marriage, the children he raised, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he adored and enjoying life to its fullest with a great sense of humor.

“Pap”, as he was known to so many, will always be remembered for his devilish little smile, ability to crack a joke on the spot, and making everyone he came in contact with know that they were in the presence of a consummate gentleman.

Family and friends will be received at the Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main St., Mannington on Friday, March 6th from 1—8 PM and again on Saturday, March 7th from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM with Pastors Robert Shingleton & Greg Roth officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his wife at the IOOF Cemetery in Farmington, where Full Military Honors will be accorded at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions in his name please be made to either the Alzheimer's Association of North Central WV, 1299 Pineview Dr., Suite 3, Morgantown, WV 26505 or to the Marion County Humane Society and Rescue, PO Box 95, Fairmont, WV 26554. Condolences for the family may be left www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com.