Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 15, 1939, John was the cherished son of the late Rawlette Mays and Margaret Bradbury Mays. Alongside his wife, he was the proud owner and operator of Augusta Cleaners of Waynesboro, which they nurtured until retirement. John, lovingly referred to as "Poppy" by his family, was a man of unwavering drive and passion. Two decades ago, John embarked on a new venture, acquiring a small farm where he wholeheartedly immersed himself in the upkeep of the land, demonstrating his commitment to hard work and stewardship of the earth. A skilled craftsman, he took pride in personally constructing every home he resided in, leaving behind a tangible mark of his creativity and skill. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesboro, where he showcased that his faith was a cornerstone of his life.
John's appreciation for the beauty of nature was profound, manifesting in his love for outdoor activities such as fishing, leisurely walks, and engaging in various sports like basketball, track, and tennis. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the wonders of the majority of the national parks, fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Beyond his practical pursuits, John possessed a diverse range of interests, including a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly musical theater. He found joy in attending productions like "My Fair Lady" and other classics, enjoying the magic the theaters bring. Despite his busy schedule and varied interests, John's greatest joy stemmed from his family. He was a pillar of strength and support, prioritizing moments spent with loved ones above all else. Whether it meant traveling around the country to visit his grandchildren and watch their sporting events, John's unwavering presence and boundless love knew no borders.
In every aspect of his life, John exuded warmth, kindness, and a love for everyone he knew. His legacy lives on not only in the homes he built and the business he nurtured but also in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. John was a creator, and his creative spirit has left a lasting impression on those he loved.
John leaves behind a legacy of love and family. He is survived by his two sons, John Mays Jr. and his wife, Ronnette, of Chandler, AZ, and Andy Mays and his wife, Julie, of Amherst; his daughter, Alice Barrett, and her husband, Dave, of Appling, GA; John will be dearly missed by his six grandchildren, Christy Monahan (Alex), Emily Yell (Alex), Ben Mays (Meghan), David Barrett (Lauren), Molly Napier (Patrick) and Morgan Felty (Stone), and six great grandchildren, Nate and Maddie Mays, Adeline Monahan, Madi Lu and Emmerson Yell and Thomas Napier.
A celebration of John's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Whitten Monelison Chapel. Following the service, the family will host a reception at the funeral home, where memories of John's vibrant life can be shared and cherished.
In this time of sorrow, may John Ellis Mays be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hope Tree Family Services, P.O. Box 849, Salem, VA 24153, www.hopetreefs.org.
