Anthony Lemont Mays

Anthony Lemont Mays was born on May 2, 1951, in Austin, Texas. He was raised in the Catholic faith, he was baptized and confirmed at Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Austin. He later became a member of St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Houston.

Anthony believed deeply in education, often stating, “never stop learning, because life never stops teaching us.” His academic journey began at Holy Cross Catholic School and L. L. Campbell Elementary. He was in the inaugural class of minority students selected to attend University Junior High; Austin’s first integrated junior high school on the UT Campus. Anthony excelled there, scoring an IQ of 138, placing him in the top 2% nationally, earning Mensa gifted and talented status. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and served on the Student Council.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, where he played the French horn in the marching band before attending the University of Houston, where he majored in Business with a concentration in Accounting. After college, he made Houston his permanent home.

Anthony’s professional career spanned more than four decades. He worked as a night auditor at Nations Bank and spent 38 years with Equiva/Equillon Services LLC, a joint operation of Shell and Texaco refining, where he served as a Financial Analyst and Supply Chain Scheduling Manager. He retired in 2007.

Known as “Tony,” and affectionately as “Redd,” to his family; Anthony was a devoted son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend. He held special admiration for his late mother, Vernell Lee, and grandmother, Henrietta McKinley-Bell. A loving big brother, mentor, and confidant, he offered steady guidance and support to those he cared for most.

Anthony cherished lifelong friendships, often saying, “Friends are the family we get to choose, keep your circle small and choose wisely.” He shared a love for classic cars with his elder brother Dominic and proudly maintained his 1978 Mercury Cougar, “Coquese,” in pristine condition.

He also loved to entertain, hosting friends and family gatherings filling his home with laughter, music and good food, he was known for his famous rum cake. After retirement, he dedicated his time to researching his family’s genealogy, connecting generations through history and heritage.

Anthony was preceded in death by his mother, Vernell Lee; grandmother, Henrietta McKinley-Bell; brothers Dominic Mays Sr. and Ricky Lee; and niece Dionne Mays. He is survived by his siblings Jeanella, Flynn, Teresa, and Lillian, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 N. Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660. The service is scheduled for December 9, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow. Anthony was a resident of Missouri City, Texas.