Wiley Thomas Mays

He was born on April 29, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, IL, the son of Mildred Mays and Wiley Brown. Wiley married Wilma Jean “Jeannie” Miller on July 30, 1994, in Springfield IL.

Wiley graduated from Mt. Vernon High School where he was a starting member of the 1949 State Basketball Champions. He attended Langston College in Langston, OK where he played collegiate basketball. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 and served 9 months in Korea. Wiley worked as an accounting unit manager with the comptroller’s office. He was a member of the Springfield Baha’i Community, where he served with distinction in various leadership roles. Wiley enjoyed blues and jazz and hosted the Jazz Patio on WSSR radio for 17 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chris Webber; daughter, Sherry Bell; sister, Ruby Mays; and brothers, Lloyd and Clarence Mays.

Wiley is survived by his wife, Jeannie Mays of Springfield; daughter, Judy (Derry) Middlebrooks of Indianapolis, IN; sons, Monty (Becky) Webber of Springfield, and David (Zaira) DeVon of National Harbor, MD; daughter-in-law, Dena Webber of Owasso, OK; and ten grandchildren.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, followed by the ceremony at 11:30 a.m., with The Springfield Baha’i Community officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.