Mayes David Mathews of Toano, Virginia, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 18, 2021 at the age of 77. Mayes lived a full life, earning degrees from West Virginia University, Old Dominion University and a PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. He had a 20 year Naval Career as a Supply Corps officer, taught at several local universities and was a Professor Emeritus at Saint Leo University. In retirement, he founded and continually worked to improve Stonehouse Stables in Toano for the last 25 years, along with his wife and daughter.
Mayes was active in many organizations over his very full life. Some of these were a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge in Cameron, West Virginia, Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity at West Virginia University, Aloha Shriners Clown Corps in Hawaii, Alpha Kappa Psi Honor Society, Toano Kiwanis, Bruton Parish Pelham Choir, and the Hickory Neck Choir. In addition, he made many other contributions to our community here in Williamsburg, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Sylvia Mathews as well as his brother Nathan Mathews of Cameron, West Virginia, where he grew up. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cheryl; son Martin B Mathews; daughter Tara Mathews Best and son-in-law Ervin Best II; his only granddaughter Abigail Best; nieces Megan Noble, Susannah Mathews; nephew Thomas Mathews Crozier; and cousin Candace Ward.
A funeral service will be held on May 1 at 11:00 AM at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church in Toano, where he was a past Junior and Senior Warden. Attendees need to RSVP for this socially distanced outdoor service. RSVP to https://rsvp.church/r/dfT1JkOW
The family will also be hosting a Celebration of Life on their family farm located at Stonehouse Stables. The service will be held May 1 at 12:30 PM. A boxed lunch will be provided. If you wish to attend please RSVP to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E44A8AA2DAAFC1-celebration
In lieu of flowers or designation of a charity, the family asks to honor Mayes with a Pay It Forward request. Mayes delighted in gifting strangers or those he knew needed a lift of spirits with a $100 bill, which he always carried in his wallet. If you desire to honor him, please make a gift on his behalf of any amount to someone who needs it.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
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