W.H. Mays Mortuary | Augusta, GA
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Obituary For Mr. William H. “Willie” Mays, III
The Honorable William Henry Mays III
Augusta, GA—"The greatest among you shall be your servant."—Matthew 23:11
It has been said that what we do in the service of others, we do in the service of God.
The life of William "Willie" Henry Mays, III is a shining example of this virtue. Born on July 11, 1951 to the late William H. Mays, II and Carrie J. Mays, the roadmap for Willie's life of service was set from the very beginning. Willie's parents, the owners and operators of the historic W.H. Mays Mortuary founded in 1922 by his grandfather, provided a pristine example of compassion, empathy, and barrier breaking that would underscore Willie's lifetime. Not only was Willie's father one of Augusta's most respected businessmen, but his mother also made history as the first woman to serve on the Augusta City Council.
After graduating from T.W. Josey High School in 1969, Willie prepared to enter the family business. He earned a degree in Mortuary Science from the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA. He also completed advanced studies at Augusta University. Willie became a true steward of his profession, serving as the youngest President and Chairman of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association and as a board member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. He was also a faithful member of Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity. Following in his parents' footsteps and solidifying his commitment to public service, Willie was elected to the Augusta City Council in 1979. This would mark the beginning of a thirty-year long career in local government. His work as a public servant in Augusta-Richmond County included an election to the Richmond County Board of Commissioners in 1990, where he later served as chairman of the body in 1994; multiple terms as Commissioner for the at-large Super Districts in the Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government; three terms as Mayor Pro Tem and in June 2005, Willie was elected by a unanimous vote of the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Commissioners to serve as Interim Mayor for the city of Augusta. His legendary work ethic and devotion to meeting his constituents' needs earned him the nickname "Superman." Willie H. Mays, III holds the distinction of having been the only person in the city's history to serve in all three iterations of local government. As a result of his work ethic and dedication to the community, the new Public Defenders Office on Greene Street was named the William H. Mays, III Building in his honor.
While the list of accolades, awards, and honors that Willie received in his lifetime are far too numerous to list, it is probably true that his greatest achievement was displayed in his day-to-day interactions with the families that he served at W.H. Mays Mortuary. Over the decades, Willie built and maintained a reputation for tenderness and dignity. The empathy and respect with which he served thousands of grieving families will be forever etched on the collective heart of the CSRA.
Willie was a man of deep faith, as well as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. The lifelong member of Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church married his best friend, Raye Alissa "Lisa" Robinson in 2018 after several years of courtship. He was the proud father of one daughter, Princess Blount and two beautiful grand-daughters, London and Bailey Blount.
Whether he was called "Superman", Mr. Mays, or simply Willie, he will not only be remembered as a giant in Augusta public life, but he will also be remembered as a true servant-leader in his community. An influence and role-model for generations of Augustans, the brilliant and trailblazing life of William "Willie" Henry Mays, III will be celebrated for years to come.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother. Willie is survived by his dedicated wife, Raye Mays of Augusta, GA; his daughter, Princess (Walter) Blount of Ellenwood, GA; two grandchildren, London and Bailey Blount; three aunts, Bessie Williams of Atlanta, GA, Daisy Jones of Lincolnton, GA, and Espdranza "Blanche" Jones of Fayetteville, GA; one brother, Peter (Hartent) Jones of Washington, GA; one sister, Alsie Delores Parks of Atlanta, GA; one sister-in-law, Oona Wells of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family respectfully requests that you join us via live stream on the official W.H. Mays Mortuary
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/whmaysmortuaryaugusta/ as we honor William H. Mays, III on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 11:00am.
W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401.
Guest Book
My condolences to you Raye and your family during these tuff times. Willie served on the Board during my tenure with JTPA some 20 plus years ago where my calling to remind him of the meetings turned into funny conversations. I will miss him dearly. RIP Superman. Pamela R. Lewis, Friend and Colleague
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On behalf of the Hawkins family we would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of The Honorable Willie Mayes. As shared by many he was truly a man of great character that always cared for others. You will always be with us Keeping the Dream Alive. Bessie Danforth Thomas Lee
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Mr. William Henry Mays III will be truly missed by his Trinity CME Church family. Willie was a constant and visible member, who supported his beloved "Mother Trinity" with time, talent and treasure. Willie was committed and devoted to his church with a generous spirit of compassion, love, and care. He was a true servant of Trinity CME Church. He was a gift his church and to his community. Mr. William Henry Mays III was indeed "Superman." Rest in the peace of God, Mr. Mays.
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With deepest sympathy - a longtime friend of my family. Robert E. Johnson
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The Office of the Chairman, Oz Nesbitt, Sr., Rockdale ( Conyers) Georgia. We celebrate the life, the legacy and service of one of Augusta's beloved native sons, our dear friend and brother, The Hon. W. H. Mays, III . Always a champion of the "underdog " a the voice of everyday people. Respectfully, Oz Nesbitt, Sr. Chairman/CEO
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Sincerest sympathy to the family and the Mortuary family of Mr. Willie Mays. Rest in Heavenly peace. God bless. Phyllis Thomas and family
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My most heartfelt condolences to the family of "Willie" Mays, III. I have known Willie and the Mays family all my life. All of my close family who are deceased, Mays Funeral Home conducted the burial services. Also, as members of Trinity CME Church, we worked together often. However, I was honored when he asked me to serve as the treasurer of his campaign when he was a candidate for Mayor. Willie was a man who truly served the public! God bless you all as you deal with your loss. - Charles F. Smith
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My old runnin potnah..... big brother.....one of the key people who helped me cope with my having to suddenly move back to my hometown temporarily 25 years ago........ Mannn the memories..... the lessons & advice you gave me (mainly about Augusta GA politics), the public appearance-debates-church rounds with you on your political campaign trail, the FUN we used to get into with the RUTHLESS TRASH TALKIN' back in the day LOL, our road trips, and especially the key influential people you introduced me to.... Gonna miss u big bro...thank you for EVERYTHING RULE IN POWER WILLIE Mark V. Oliphant Atlanta, GA
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God Blessings. Mr. Mays always treated me with kindness when I work with him. Now its time for you to rest. Sgt D. Harris (Ret.) R.C.S.O.
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Willie lived a good life, leaving footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith! Even though he is no longer with us, the trail he left behind will continue to inspire us. We are praying God's love will comfort you and He'll embrace you in His loving arms and comfort your broken heart. With deepest sympathy and sincerest heartfelt love, Helen, Agatha and Viva Henry
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Condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace Willie. Met you while in college 30+ years ago and knew you were destined for greatness. You will be missed by many.
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Mr. Mays helped so many and was extraordinarily kind and accommodating when my family had to use his services when our loved ones transitioned. He will be missed in our lives and our community.
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Sylvia & Russell Warren Family, Orlando, FL: Our dear friend Willie leaves behind footprints of kindness, courage, compassion, faith and love. May the trail he's left be comforting memories. May the soul of our dearly departed rest in peace.
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Our deepest condolences to the family of Willie Mays.the Ushers & Usherettes Union of Georgia appreciated the service that he provided to the community rest in peace.president Dea.Tony Howard,Vice president Sis.Dot Moore
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Our deepest condolences to the family of Willie Mays.the Ushers & Usherettes Union of Georgia appreciated the service that he provided to the community rest in peace.president Dea.Tony Howard,Vice president Sis.Dot Moore
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Our deepest condolences to the family of Willie Mays.the Ushers & Usherettes Union of Georgia appreciated the service that he provided to the community rest in peace.president Dea.Tony Howard,Vice president Sis.Dot Moore
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Rest in peace Mr. Mays. Sending my condolences to Raye and the entire Mays family during this time of bereavement. You are in my prayers. May GOD bless you and give you comfort. Yvette THOMPSON
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Sincere sympathy to the family. I adored Mr. Mays because of his kindness and wisdom. We shared our thoughts as often as possible. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mrs. Mary E. Terrell
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My heartfelt condolences to Raye, all the family, & loving employees. Mr. Willie kept a positive, helpful, and loving spirit. May his memories and love live on in all he has ever touched. -Joi Bell & family, Atlanta, GA.
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Willie, it has been a pleasure knowing you and all you have done for Augusta,Georgia. I wish your family much love and comfort during this difficult time. May you Rest In Peace now and now have no more suffering! Doretha Hollins Williams
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Condolences to the Mays family during your time of bereavement my the Lord bring you peace an comfort. G.L.Brightharp & Sons Mortuary.
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Great gentlement that will be truly miss by many. , RIP MR.WILLLIE MAYS, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO STRENGHTEN THE FAMILY COVER THEM,WITH THE LOVE THAT YOU,LEFT TO,ENDURE FOR THE REMAINING FAMILY , BLESSING FROM MY FAMILY HERE IN LINCOLNTON GA, CRITE AND TUCKER , DAVIS , FAMILY .
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My condolences to the family. He made me laugh when ever we saw each other. When we got our pacemakers he called me sis. Rest on my brother.
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I met Mr. Willie Mays back in 1992 while working in Vital Records. Sending my condolences to the Mays family. My prayers are with you during this time and always. Angela Lewis
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My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Willie Mays. May God continue to keep you close. My prayers are with you.
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It was truly an honor to be in the company of such an outstanding businessman of the community. Willie's kind and personable attitude was always so welcoming. His presence will be missed. God bless Raye and the loved ones he leaves behind. Ann & Tom Hornsby
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Our Sympathy & Condolences from Dr. Sharlotte Evans, Aprile, Shironda. Mr. Mays will always have a special place in our hearts, we loved him and we will miss him tremendously
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It was a pleasure and honor to call Willie my friend.His contribution to my life as well as the community leaves me without words to describe his loss. To the family and Raye, May God wrap you tightly in His arms during this te3CN4SMime of Sorrow
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Condolences to the family. Praying for peace and comfort
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Sincerest condolences on the loss of "Willie". He was a pillar of the community,a dear family friend,and will truly be missed. Mrs. Doris McQueen and Family ~
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Mr. Mays was a professional in his business, civic and community affairs. He will be truly missed as an officer representing the city of Augusta , an officer representing Richmond County, and as a representative of a business operation. Highly skilled in those areas and his longtime membership at Trinity CME Church Augusta, Ga. Mr. Mays a man who made a vast contribution to our community as well as other communities. Cliff W. Terrell Augusta, Ga.
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Sending Sincere Sympathy to the Mays family from the Maloyd family. Willie was like a big brother to us. We will miss him greatly. Cora, Carl and Arlene Maloyd
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It was a honor and privilege to know Mr. Mays over the years, prayers for his family and staff. Kevin McNeill @ McNeill Funeral Home
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You were truly a wonderful person. I was so saddened to hear of your passing. May you rest in Heaven Yvonne A. Fraser(Baldwin) Killeen, Texas
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My condolences to the family of Willie Mays and the staff of Mays Mortuary. Willie and his family and the staff faithfully served the Augusta community for generations including the Chiles family. Samuel W.Chiles
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May GOD bless your family and Thank You for being who you are. You were a piller in this community in the time of need, rest in peace
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Rest In Peace Willie. God bless your family in this time of need.
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Thank you Mr. Willie Mays for all that you did for Augusta. You were a true leader. Mrs. Raye Roberson-Mays remain strong at this difficult time.Mr. Mays you got your Heavenly wings. Rest in Power Dr. Cora Johnson-Bennett, Floyd Bennett and Family
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Raye and family God bless and comfort you in the time of loss. Mr Mays we thank you for your light you shed upon the community on that corner and through out your service to the community . You've earned your reward take your rest job well done . See you on the other side . The Keller family
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Sending our condolences to the Mays family from The Phinazee family at Phinazee and Son Funeral Home, Waynesboro, GA.
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Thank you for your service to our community. We are proud to work in the public defender building dedicated in your name. We will fight for our clients just as you did for people in our community. Katherine Mason, Circuit Public Defender, and the Attorneys and staff of the Law Office of the Public Defender, Augusta Judicial Circuit.
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Rest well my brother, you have forever made a mark in our community. My condolences to the family, and may God comfort you in this time of loss. - Bishop Esaias Merritt
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Raye this is Letitia's mother. I am sorry for your loss but God has gained another one of his soilders. I pray that God will keep you. Tony my grandson and one of your students says he is sorry for the loss of his cousin Willie.
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Raye and family, Please accept our condolences with the loss of your beloved husband and loved one, Mr. Willie Mays. I pray God's peace be with you always. Love, LaDonna & Family...
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Raye and family - May peace and comfort dwell with you in the days to come. Our prayers will continue for you. Drs. Aaron and Judith Geter
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Condolences to the Mays family.
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Rest In Peace Willie. May God give comfort to your family in their time of bereavement. Pam Simpkins
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Rest In Peace Willie I always enjoyed getting assigned to funeral escorts with you my friend. To know you was to like you.
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My Condolences to the FAMILY of Mr William "Willie" Mays..a true pillar of the community..A PERSON WHO HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE RIP SHELIA VANN BELLAMY& FAMILY
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It was a honor to count you as a friend and colleague . Wendell Gibson
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- W.H. Mays Mortuary | Augusta, GA