Bobby was born on May 16, 1943, in Austin, Texas to Raymond Vance Mayes and Rosalee (Kirschner) Mayes. He graduated from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Texas as the Salutatorian of his class. He went on to further his education at the University of Texas, Blinn College and Tarleton State University.
On August 4, 1967, he married the love of his life, Nancy Gail Gault. Their 58-year marriage was filled with their love for each other and their family, horses and being outdoors. He also enjoyed playing basketball with his children and their friends as they grew up.
Bobby worked in the finance department for I.B.M. in Austin and retired from there in 1995. He spent his retirement at his ranch with Nancy, where he raised horses and cattle. He was also a member of the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association. He had a knack for finding, making and raising good horses, and he was very successful with training roping horses.
Bobby is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond Vance Mayes Jr. Those left behind to continue his legacy are his wife, Nancy; son, Jim Bob Mayes and his wife, Kimbra; daughter, Mitzi Duke and her husband, J.O.; and his granddaughter, Makenzie Mayes and grandson, Carsyn Sunvison. He is also survived by his nieces and a host of friends who will miss him dearly.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, with a funeral service celebrating his life beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Walnut Creek Cemetery in Austin.
Honoring Bobby as pallbearers will be Jim Bob Mayes, Carsyn Sunvison, J.O. Duke, Tommy Ratliff, Cliff Sanders and Joe Morris. His granddaughter, Makenzie Mayes, will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
