George Myrul Mays
George Myrul Mays Jr, 74 of Chesapeake, VA went home to be with his Lord on 01/23/2024.
George was a loving man with a kind heart. He showed up for his family and friends alike. George was born in Staunton on March 25th 1949 to George and Lillian Mays. He has a younger brother Lewis "Gene" Eugene Mays, who he enjoyed many childhood and adulthood memories with. George went to Riverheads High school and was a part of the Gladiators football and track and field teams. After graduating, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged due to health concerns, he went on to serve 20 years in the Virginia Defense Force. When asked by his daughter why he enlisted in the military after graduating, his answer was simple and honorable. "Because my president asked me to."
George met the love of his life, Judy, at Wright's Diary Rite in Staunton. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in Rockingham County on August 30th of 1974. George and Judy couldn't wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Their son George "Joey" M Mays III was born in 1976 and daughter Megan Elizabeth came along 8 years later in 1984. In addition, George has a son Randall Scott Mays from his first marriage.
George loved seeing family and friends. He held people he cared for near and dear to his heart. He had lots of friends growing up and into his adulthood. Childhood friends included Monk Davis, Storming Norman, Jack Weiss and Jesse Riley.
George worked at Nibco for almost 2 decades after departing from the military. He later worked as an armed security officer for a number of years.
George grew up in the church and stayed devout in his faith until his final days.
George was a lover of outdoor activities in his younger years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. He was also a long-time member of the NRA. George enjoyed fishing with his nieces and nephews in their youth. This tradition continued with his daughter, Megan. Although George typically had to bait Megan's line for her, he was always happy to have a companion to share his passion.
George will always be remembered for his loving and caring nature. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend and will miss George every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
George was preceded in death by Wife Judy Marie Mays, mother and father Lillian & George Mays Sr, Son George "Joey" M. Mays III.
He is survived by daughter Megan Maynard and her husband Scott of Chesapeake, VA, Brother Gene Mays and his wife Wanda of Lyndhurst, VA, Son Randall Scott Mays and family, Granddaughter Autumn Rayne and partner Seth, Nephew Billy Mays and wife Carrie & their family, Sister in Law Sandra "Sandy" Stephens, Melody Stephens and partner Eileen & their family, Theresa Johnson and partner Mike & their family, Charles "Chuck" Stephens & his family, and Jerry "JD" David Stephens & his family, Brother in law Oliver "Skip" Irvine and wife Trudy of Grottoes, VA and their sons Davey and partner Lauren & their family, Craig and Jim. Also 3 nieces Angela and partner Roy & their family, Amanda & her family and Amber and partner Joe & their family. Included is Mother-in-Law Ruth Mitchell. As well as a number of cousins and extended family members.
Notable family and friends: Mike and Joy Utberg and Ashley "Sunshine" McGann.
Please join us to celebrate George's life at Johnson's Funeral Home in Grottoes at Feb 3rd, 2024 at 10am for friends and family gathering. A memorial service is planned for 11am following the family and friends gathering. Burial is planned to take place after memorial service at St. Paul's Cemetery in Weyers Cave. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at Verona Methodist Church at 406 Lee Hwy, Verona, VA following the burial service.
George was a simple guy who preferred jeans and t shirts to his Sunday best. So please feel free to come celebrate his life in your favorite pair of jeans and favorite t-shirt.
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonfs.com.
Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes is entrusted with the arrangements.
