Obituary: Ray Preston Mays, 88

Ray Preston Mays

Ray Preston Mays, 88, departed this life on September 19, 2023 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Judith A. Mays for 65 years.

Ray was the son of Percy Wilson and Nellie Carter Mays and was one of five siblings. He was raised in Alleghany County Virginia.

Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

After serving in the military, Ray and his wife owned and operated an Amoco gas station in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. Afterward, he was a driver operator for Phoenix Construction for many years until his retirement.

Ray was unique and larger than life. He was hilarious and had a distinct hearty laugh. He had a twinkle in his eye and loved to tell stories. His favorite time is when he was outdoors and he was often called a “Mountain Man”. He enjoyed his work shed and would tinker with his tools and work on anything mechanical.

Ray was a charter member of the James River Bluegrass Association in Madison Heights Virginia. He showed a talent of playing a variety of different bluegrass instruments and would make the bluegrass sound so good. He loved and supported the local bluegrass scene for many years.

Ray leaves memories and love behind to his beautiful wife, Judith A. Mays. He also leaves behind his love to his children, Janet Malamphy (Rocky), and Tina Gillian (Paul). His memories are left behind for his grandchildren, Daniel Gillian, Kimberly Malamphy, and Jacob Malamphy (Vicki), and also his great-grandchildren, Hailey Malamphy and Sadie Malamphy. Ray also leaves behind his sister, Helen M. Worsham.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Harry Wilson Mays, Merrill “Slick” Mays and Emmett M. Mays.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 6 to 8 at the Whitten Monelison Chapel in Madison Heights, Virginia.

A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Whitten Monelison Chapel with Dwayne Martin officiating. Burial will be held at Amherst Cemetery in Amherst Virginia. Casual attire is welcome if you wish.

Memorials can be made in Ray’s memory by sending contributions to the James River Bluegrass Association, 424 Woodys Lake Road, Madison Heights, Virginia 24572.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com. Whitten Funeral Home and Cremation Services Monelison Chapel, Madison Heights is serving the family.