MIKE MAYS
Henderson, TN: Michael Stewart ‘Mike’ Mays, age 72 passed away March 26, 2020 at his home.
He was born October 23, 1947 in the Deanburg Community of Chester County, the son of the late Kenneth Stewart and Mary Elizabeth Maroney Mays. He attended Deanburg School during his elementary years. Then moved to Memphis in 1957 and later graduated from Frazier High School in 1965. He married Dixie Lee Phillips on March 6, 1967, just after his basic training in the army. He was sent to Vietnam just after a few weeks of marriage. While in the army he was attached to 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Battalion Company C, Air Calvary Division and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and Vietnam Campaign Medal. When he returned in 1968 they made their home in Memphis. He worked for RCA Electric Plant and International Harvester. In 1971 he started working for Schlitz Brewing Company in Memphis. He worked there for thirty years retiring in 2001, from Coors Brewing Company the company which took over Schlitz. His role was tow motor operator and he was member of Teamsters Union. In July of 1981 they moved back to the family farm at Deanburg.
Since his retirement he spent his time taking care of chores for everyone from mowing yards to picking up grandkids from school. He loved his family, visiting his brother and sisters every day and spending time with his grandkids. He also loved to read. He was a member of the Deanburg Baptist Church.
Mr. Mays is survived by his wife, Dixie Lee Phillips Mays of Henderson; two sons, William Stewart ‘Billy’ Mays (Traci) and Kenneth Hatcher ‘Kenny’ Mays (Sharon) all of Henderson; four grandchildren, Ashley Brewer, Phillip Mays, Tiffany Mays and Madison Mays; one brother, Danny Joe Mays (Betty Joe) of Deanburg; two sisters, Sandra Landers of Deanburg and Pat Rose (Larry) of Deanburg and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Kim Mays and several nieces and nephews.