Walter Inman Mays

Walter Inman Mays, born July 6, 1931 in Augusta, Georgia, second son of the late Frank Inman and Bowdre Phinizy Mays died August 30, 2011 at Arcadia Hospice House in Arcadia, Florida.

Inman was named for his maternal Grandfather John Walter Inman of Atlanta. He had resided

in Sarasota, Florida for eleven years following his retirement from an active business career in

advertising and public relations in Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and in New Jersey.

He was predeceased by younger brothers Sam Warren Mays, Sr. and Stedman (Ted) Clark Mays, Sr. He is survived by a brother, Bowdre Phinizy Mays, Jr.; a sister, Frank Mays Pride; nephews, James M. Hull and Sam W. Mays, Jr.; nieces, Carol Hull Palmer and Laura Mays Coble, all of Augusta, Ruth Mays Moniz of Charlotte, NC, Margaret Inman Mays of Boston, MA; Judge Frank Mays Hull of Atlanta; niece and god daughter Tracy Mays Olmsted of Woodbury, CT; nieces Katherine Mays Bunker of Fort Collins, CO, Bowdre Mays McAllister of Tampa, FL, Mary Lou Phinizy Mays Anglin of Statham, GA and nephew, Stedman Clark Mays, Jr. of Athens, GA.

Other survivors include first cousins, Walker, George and Andrew Inman; and a number of great nieces and nephews; and his long time friend and companion, Bobby Moore Freeman. The family is extremely grateful for the kindness and compassion of Inman’s friend and neighbor Ann Andrew.

Following graduation from William Robinson and Boy’s Catholic High in Augusta and in 1957 from the University of Georgia, he commenced his business career with McCann Erickson in Atlanta followed by stints with the Washington Post and advertising firms in the North East.

He was a close friend of the author and poet James Dickey; following Dickey’s death, Inman allowed his Dickey collection of letters and inscribed first editions to be acquired by the Robert Woodruff Library at Emory University. This included his unpublished Memoir entitled “The Devil and James Dickey”.

Inman served in the U. S. Air Force in Japan being discharged with a citation for meritorious service.

Inman inherited the charming personality of his parents who constantly said “he is the sweetest child we have!” Inman was confirmed at Good Shepherd Church in Augusta where he also served as an acolyte. He was much in demand on social occasions having been a member of SAE fraternity, the Bachelors Club, and Augusta Country Club. He had a great sense of family and always enjoyed returning to Augusta to see old friends and take part in family celebrations. Even his much younger nieces and nephews fully appreciated his wit and very pleasant banter. In Sarasota, he was a member of the University Park Country Club.

Graveside services will be held 11 AM, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Phinizy-Mays Mausoleum, Magnolia Cemetery. Elliott Sons Funeral Home, 1134 Telfair St, Augusta is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Paul’s Church Endowment Fund, 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 or University Health Care Foundation (Attn. Hospice),

2100 Central Avenue, Suite D-1, Augusta, Georgia 30904.