David "Richard" R. Mays

Lovingly known as Richard, passed away on November 9, 2026, at the age of 81, in the comfort of his own home. He was born on February 20, 1945, in Langley, Kentucky, and lived a life centered around family, hard work, and the simple pleasures that brought him happiness.

He was raised with strong southern family values and an appreciation for hard work and making the most of what you had. This included helping his mother with their farm, where chickens and pigs were raised, much of the family's food was grown, and traditions like canning and living off the land were simply part of everyday life. Those early years reflected a simpler way of life built around family, hard work, and taking care of one another.

Richard carried many of those values throughout his life. He spent 30 dedicated years as a semi-truck driver for Roadway before retiring. He also proudly served in the Army Reserves during the 1960s. From stories shared, he worked hard but also knew how to play hard and have fun.

Richard shared 56 years of marriage with his wife, Jacqueline Ann Mays. Together, they built a family, shared countless experiences, weathered life's challenges, and created a lifetime of history.

A man of many interests, Richard enjoyed fishing, working on cars, and making trips to the casino. He loved watching Westerns, especially his favorite, Gunsmoke, and could often be found listening to the music of Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. He enjoyed a good game of Euchre or Farkle with the family, playing casino games on his phone with Sandra, and keeping an eye out his window for hummingbirds, deer, and turkey.

Some of his happiest moments were the simple ones spent riding around on the golf cart with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those moments, along with the laughter and memories made along the way, will be treasured by his family.

Richard shared a unique bond with each of his three children, leaving them with memories and lessons they will carry forever. His daughter Sandra was often described as being just like him. The two were inseparable, truly two peas in a pod. Whether sharing everyday moments, playing casino games on their phones, or simply enjoying each other's company, they had a special connection that was unmistakably their own.

His daughter Denise will remember the many hours spent together on the porch, where conversations could range from meaningful discussions to the silliest of subjects, always accompanied by laughter and connection. Richard especially enjoyed relaxing in her hammock, making those simple visits and conversations memories she will always treasure.

His son David remembers that it isn't just one particular thing about his dad, but rather knowing he could talk to him about absolutely anything, anytime. Richard was a teacher of many things but especially driving, no matter how old you were. Having learned at a young age from his own father how to drive a tractor, a car, and even a stick shift, Richard carried that knowledge forward. He genuinely loved teaching others and passing along what he knew was something he took great pride in.

Richard was a quiet man, but he had a sense of humor that came out in the company of those he knew and loved. He enjoyed a good laugh, and when he smiled, his eyes had a way of twinkling that those closest to him will never forget. He was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. It is just who he was.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jacqueline Ann Mays; his children, Denise Hill (Todd), Sandra Flannery (John), and David Mays Jr. (Monica), and his grandchildren, Ashley Barrett (Jonathon), Thomas Hill (Jessie), Chelsea Hale (Maxwell), David Mays III (Shelby), and Brody Mays. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Mylah, Jaxon, and Knoxyn Hale.

He is also survived by his siblings, Cynthia “Marie” Wallen, Alva Mays, Wayne “John” Mays, and Margie Adkins.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brittney Baldwin; his parents, Julia and William Mays; and siblings, Robert, Oscar, Jessie, Junior, Joe, Thurmal, Oliver, Virgil “Bud”, and Shirley Mays.

His life was made up of years of hard work, countless family memories, simple joys, and sharing a Budweiser over conversation. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the family who loved him.

A visitation will be held at Burden-Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home, (1806 East Michigan Ave, Jackson, Michigan), on Monday, November 16, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Burden-Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 East Michigan Ave Jackson Michigan) on Monday, November 16, 2026, beginning at 12:00 pm. Richard will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.