Services for William Harrison "Bill" Mayes, 85, of Lubbock, formerly of Ralls, will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the Ralls First United Methodist Church with Rev. Floyd Haddock, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ralls Cemetery under direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ralls.
Bill passed away Thursday, April 30, 2009 in Lubbock. He was born November 26, 1923 in Ralls to Lela Pearl (Baugh) and William Henry Mayes. He married Hoyler Jean Moore May 18, 1947 in Ralls and lived there until moving to Lubbock in 1981. Bill was a member of Trinity Church in Lubbock and the Ralls First United Methodist Church where he had served as United Methodist Youth Director and Choir Director. He was a graduate of Ralls High School and later served as the Band Director in 1942-43. Bill served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943-45 stationed in the South Pacific during WWII and then served as Chairman of the Lubbock County Draft Board. He attended Texas Tech University where he was a member of the Band.
Bill was a positive influence on the lives of his friends and youth of Ralls. He was a member of the Ralls Rotary Club and the Ralls Jaycees, where he served as President and the State Youth Chairman. "This Is Your Life" was bestowed on Bill in 1963 and he was also honored as Ralls' Citizen of the Year. Always active with the youth, Bill was an honorary member of the Ralls FFA. He was an Eagle Scout, Eagle Palm, recipient of the Silver Beaver and served as Region 9 Boy Scout President and Conference Chairman. He was the Scout Master and Explorer Advisor in Ralls for many years. Bill worked for the Texas Water Commission as an Environmental Investigator for 23 years. Prior to his tenure with the State of Texas he was co-owner and President of Mayes Brothers Fertilizer and Chemical and operated Mayes Gas in Ralls for 21 years. Bill founded "Entertain Me" where he showcased his talents as a magician and entertainer. He was a member and Past President of the West Texas Association of Magicians and on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Magicians serving as President in 1995. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Bill was an accomplished musician. He founded and played drums in The Barrons, a swing band, retiring in 1995. He also was a member of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club.
Bill is preceded in death by a daughter, Vicki Lynn Mayes Terrell Burdine who passed away March 12, 2001, three brothers, Willis Mayes, J. B. Mayes and Truett Mayes and by a sister, Fay Mayes Cornwell. He is survived by his wife, Jean Mayes of Lubbock, a daughter and her husband, Jerri and David Adams of Lubbock, a sister, Louise Davis McCluskey of Modesto, California, six grandchildren, Tim and Michelle Terrell, Trae and Chris Diede, Trinity and Jake Rutledge, Calli and Dylan Christenson, Lindsey Adams and Ashley Adams. Great Grandchildren include Jack, Zoe, Kira and Chase Terrell, Brody and Wyatt Rutledge, Beau and Gwen Diede and Crew Harrison Blair.
Bill's life was filled with laughter and joy; his warmth and kind spirit had a profound impact on all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. The joy he brought to family, friends and complete strangers will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Pop, we love you.
Serving as casket bearers will be Steve Gray, Mike Ellison, Tony Ellison, Jerry Flemins, Eric McDonald, Mike Carlisle, Keith Carlisle, Billy Binder and James Jester. Honorary casket bearers will be Bryant Flores, Craig McDonald, Williard Tolbert, Dwayne Lynch, Wayne Bowles, Harold Priddy, Lewis Knight, Elvin Verett and Mike Wicks and the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club members; Dr. T. H. Holmes, Gene Cornelius, Charles McDermett, James Parks, Oliver Ramsey, Clayton Cunningham, Al O'Brian, Dean Taylor and Ralph McLaughlin.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 PM Saturday at Adams Funeral Home in Ralls. Memorials may be made to Ralls United Methodist Church or the Boy Scouts of America.
Obituary courtesy of: Adams Funeral Home
©Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Saturday, May 2, 2009
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