Tributes

Robert L. Mays Sr. of Hurricane, W.Va., and Venice, Fla., loved the hymn “I’ll Fly Away,” and at the age of 84, in the presence of God, he was granted his angel wings on Feb. 24, 2012. He was surrounded by the endless love and care of his family in the peace and comfort of his home in Hurricane, W.Va. Bob was one of the most special people you could ever have known. He was a loving Christian, son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend to many. The number of family and friends whom he loved and loved him as well are too numerous to count. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lois Bryant Mays; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. and Susan Mays Jr. of Ocala, Fla.; his daughter and son-in-law, Tamila S. and John D. Williams of Hurricane, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Heidi Jasper and Heather Mays of Ocala, Fla., Ashley S. Christopher and Tyler Mays Williams of Hurricane, W.Va.; two great-grandchildren, Scout and Gus Jasper of Ocala, Fla.; one sister and her husband, Joan and Carroll Davidson of Fairfield Glade, Tenn.; two brothers and their wives, Max and Marcy Mays of Meadview, Ariz.; and George and Barbara Jones of Huntington. Preceding his death was his mother, Princess Jones, age 100. Bob was well known throughout the Huntington and Charleston, W.Va., area and never met a stranger. He was one of those rare gifts from God that was loved, admired and respected by everyone around him. He served in the Merchant Marines at the end of World War II. He was a member of Church in the Valley in Milton, W.Va., which he helped to found. He was a former member of Highlawn Baptist in Huntington, W.Va., where he was chairman of the deacon board, chairman of the advisory board, the Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher and always helped with the youth, and was a member of the East End Kiwanis. He was also a part-time member of the First Baptist Church in Venice, Fla., where he and his wife attended during the winter. Bob was an avid hunter and has numerous trophies from hunts he enjoyed all over the world, including many of the lower 48 United States, Alaska, British Columbia and Africa. He was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He belonged to Gideons International and was a Kentucky Colonel. Bob was also a former board member of Putnam County Bank in Hurricane, W.Va. Bob was the founder and former owner of Standard Food Service in Hurricane, W.Va., which is now known as U.S. Foodservice of W.Va. He was former chairman of NIFDA (National Institutional Food Distributor Associates), as well as a board member for 16 years. The family would like to personally acknowledge and thank all the caring hands that lovingly cared for Bob to help make his final wishes come true. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Jim Franklin Ministries, P.O. Box 233, Lesage, WV 25537; jimandsongs@aol.com. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at Church in the Valley, Milton, W.Va., with Rev. Jim Franklin and Rev. Robert Johnson officiating. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Tuesday at the church. Entombment will follow in Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington. Henson Mortuary, Barboursville, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hensonmortuary.com.

Tributes

Robert L. Mays, Sr.

February 24, 1912 - February 24, 2012