Walter F. Mays

Virginia Beach – Walter F. Mays passed into his Heavenly Father’s embrace on October 4, 2011. Walter was born April 17, 1927 in New York, New York. He was the son of Winifred P. McCabe Mays and Walter Mays. He truly loved the city but joined the Navy at the age of 17. Walter began his service as a signalman and then became a lithographer. He took part in Rear Admiral Byrd’s mission to Antarctica in 1947. The navy brought him and his family to Norfolk, Virginia in 1967 where he served his last duty station at Little Creek Naval Base. Senior Chief Walter F. Mays retired from the Navy in 1972 after serving with honor during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam Conflict. After his naval retirement, Walter moved mobile homes with his antique Studebaker truck that he restored and then worked as a maintenance man for housing at the Joint Services Staff College. He was a man of many talents and was extremely resourceful. He was an avid reader of all genres of literature and maintained a desire to gain knowledge and culture throughout his life. Walter was a member of Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church where he married his beloved wife Betty on June 23, 2010. Together they touched the hearts of many with their tenderness and love for each other. He was a member of the Studebaker Club. Walter achieved wonderful accomplishments everyday of his life through his quiet acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. He will be remembered for his upbeat personality, genuine smile, and love for life. Walter was predeceased by his mother, Winifred McCabe Mays; father, Walter Mays; wife, Mary K. Mays; and his sister, Catherine Lyons. He is survived by his loving wife Betty J. Mays of Virginia Beach; son, David W. Mays of Virginia Beach; daughter, Linda J. Grossberg and her husband Norman of Mesa, AZ; daughter, Kathryn P. Bowers and her husband Joseph of Virginia Beach; daughter, Regina A. Michael of Virginia Beach; step-son, Tony Michael (Lisa) of Suffolk, VA; brother, Lawrence Mays and his wife Marilyn of Paramus, NJ; 3 grandchildren, Melissa (Brian), Justin (Daniela) of Oceanside, CA, Zachary Moody of Mesa, AZ and Brody and Annabelle of Oceanside, CA; 2 great-grandchildren; and a host of much loved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Friday, October 7, 2011 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church by Father Robert Cole at 11:00 am on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Armed Forces Retirement Home. You may offer condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.