Dannitte Hill Mays IV, 61, passed away, Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at his home. The family will receive friends, Saturday, December 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Timberlane Road Chapel, 700 Timberlane Road. The memorial service will be Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Father Gene Strickland officiating.
Dannitte was born and raised in Tallahassee, the grandson of two prominent pioneer Florida families where his roots ran deep into the Madison and Chaires communities. He graduated from Florida High School in 1975. Dannitte continued his education and obtained BA, MPA, and MBA degrees from Florida State University. Dannitte began his career with John H Phipps, Inc. and for the past several years has been self employed as a business consultant and investment specialist. Dannitte and his brothers were the owners of the first Gold’s Gym in Tallahassee, and, subsequently they owned the Westside Athletic Club.
In 1992, Dannitte married the love of his life Sandra Hornsby. They shared a love that was undeniable and everlasting. He and Sandy continued to reside in his beloved Tallahassee until his death.
Dannitte was an avid weight lifter and sports enthusiast. His winning smile, sense of humor, and love for his fellow man will be missed by his friends, family, and business associates. Dannitte will be remembered for his strength, perseverance, and generous heart. His kind and generous heart is evidenced in his adoration for his pets. He spoiled them to no end and they had him trained. When he wasn’t talking to them he was cooking a snack for them. His baby “Cissy” will miss him terribly until she sees him again.
Dannitte grew up spending the summers with his family at their Alligator Point beach house. Those childhood experiences stayed with him throughout his life. Being at the coast, listening to the waves, and breathing the ocean air always brought him peace and solace.
After the death of his parents, Dannitte assumed the role of mother and father in addition to his role as a big brother to his siblings. This role was the passion of his life. In addition, he was also mother and father to an army of young people over the years.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy; brother, George A. Mays; niece, Ashten Mays; nephew, Dakotah Mays. He was preceded in death by his; father, Dannitte H. Mays, III; his mother, Kitty Chaires Mays; his beloved sister, Mandy Mays; brother, David Barnes Mays; and his grandparents, Irene and David Chaires, and Helen and Dannitte Mays, II.
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