John Edward Mayall Jr.

“The outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Mudville nine that day; the score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.” So begins the iconic baseball poem written in 1888 by Ernest Thayer. Sadly, one of America’s biggest baseball fans, John Edward Mayall, passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 28th at the age of 71. An avid sports fan with a deep-seated love for the New York Yankees, John lived a life marked by passion, generosity, and love of family. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Massapequa, John graduated from Massapequa High School, a proud member of the Class of ’62. He was a varsity Football and Lacrosse player and lettered in both sports. John went on to a successful career in the car rental field, where he was among the most highly successful city managers for a major car rental company. John’s car rental career took him around the country with highly successful stops in Houston, Portland, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Chicago and Dallas. After leaving the car rental business after some twenty years, John became a small business entrepreneur. He began his own medical supply company and, as President and CEO, built a thriving business with clients located throughout the United States. Both customers and business associates recognized John as a savvy businessman and person of great integrity whose word was his bond. As much as John enjoyed sports and running his business, nothing mattered more than family. John married Kathy McCullagh in 1967. Together they raised their two children, Jennifer and Johnny. Even though Kathy and John were divorced after 43 years’ of marriage in 2010, they remained great friends and the biggest supporters of their children and grandchildren (Morgan, Bailee and Jacob). His parents, John and Margaret Mayall, and two younger sisters, Patti and Susan, preceded John in death. He is survived by his brother, Bill Mayall (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) of Clifton, Virginia, and Julie Bradford of Seabrook, Texas, and partner Sheila Warman. While his family and friends are deeply saddened by John’s passing, to paraphrase the closing refrain of Casey at the Bat, “Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright; the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, and somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; but there is no joy in Mudville…” we take comfort in knowing that John has gone on to the big ball field in the sky and no doubt slid safely home under the tag. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. Followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Schneller as Officiant. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com 904-288-0025.