Wayne Roscoe Mays, Sr.

Wayne Roscoe Mays Sr. 75 of Madison Heights, VA departed this life on Friday, June 27, 2014 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. He was married to the love of his life Iris Campbell Mays for 55 years. Wayne was a native of Amherst County. He was born on January 18, 1939 in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, the son of the late Thuel Ira “Preacher” Mays and Edna Campbell Mays. Wayne was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.

After graduating from Temperance High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his service to his country, Wayne was employed at B&W where he retired as a shift foreman.

God doesn’t promise us but so many days on this Earth, what we do with those days is up to us. Wayne knew how to cherish each moment of his life.

He and Iris raised four “a-MAYS-ing” children: Renita Mays Vallastro (Otto) of Madison Heights, Sharon Mays Williamson of Madison Heights, Diane Mays Thompson (Randall) of Madison Heights, and Wayne Roscoe Mays, Jr. (Cheryl) of Amherst. As his family grew so did his heart and the smile on his face. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Jessica Mays, Brittany Ellis (Brandon), Sarra Dudley (David), Courtney Lund (Christian), Spensir Griffin (Josh), Zackery Mays (Amanda), Samantha Mays (fiance’ Brad Massie), Corey Vallastro, and Alexandra “Allie” Mays. Wayne cherished his three great grandchildren: Megan Aderholt, Savannah Lund, and Briane Ellis.

He also leaves behind special family members: his two siblings, Ronald Mays (Nyoka) of Lexington, VA and Elizabeth Mays of Amherst. A special thanks to Linda Woody of Madison Heights as well as Juanita and Bobby Ondrick of Amherst for their continuous support through Wayne’s illness. The family would also like to share their appreciation for Centra VA Hospice nurse Jill Crawford and Dr. Jeremy Hardison of Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates Inc.

A celebration of “Gramps” life will be held at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church on Monday, June 30, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Christian Lund and Rev. Judy Morris officiating. Fellowship will follow at the church to honor his life. Family will receive friends at his residence at other times.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 650 Thrashers Creek Road, Amherst, VA 24521.