Joseph David Mays

Joseph David “Joe” Mays, age 97 of Kingsport, Tennessee went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 23, 2012 at Holston Valley Medical Center. He was a kind and gentle man whose patience and humility touched the lives of all who knew him. A master carpenter, the numerous homes he built throughout the Tri-Cities area are a lasting tribute to his skill and character.

He was born in Russell County, Virginia on March 13, 1915 to James Tivis and Ollie Ingle Bostic Mays. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Imogene Wampler Mays; six brothers: Vickley, Thomas, Boyd, Giles, Charles and Emmett; three sisters: Mahala Welch, Nell Fields and Virginia Galloway.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Oneda and C.A. “Pete” Coates of Blountville; one sister, Sara Biddison of Kingsport; one granddaughter, LeAnn (Hughes) Lumb and husband Greg of Gray; two step-granddaughters: Vicki Conrad and husband Matt of Kingsport and Deborah Parce and husband Jon of Hendersonville, N.C. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Conor Lumb, Matthew and Katie Parce along with several nieces and nephews.

He was a long time member of Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church and was recently recognized as the first 75-year member of Kingsport Masonic Lodge, No. 688.

The family will receive friends in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and other times at the home of his daughter. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 8:00 p.m. with Reverend Aaron Pierce officiating. Masonic Rites will be presented by Lodge 688 before the funeral service. Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in East Lawn Memorial Park with Pastor Donna Hester officiating. Everyone is asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m. for the service. Pallbearers will be Silas Biddison, Patrick Boggs, Daniel Gladson, Greg Lumb, Harold Mays, Jim Mays and Sam Mays, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Welch, Larry Gladson, Sam Mays, Sr., Matt Conrad, Jon Parce, David Gladson, Luther Mays, David Mays and Wilson Mays.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 Virgil Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37665 or to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, P.O. Box 188, Greeneville, TN 37745.

Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the family.

East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the Mays Family.