Arthur Franklin Mays

ARTHUR F. MAYS STAUNTON, VA Arthur Franklin Mays, 83, of 219 George Street, graduated to heaven Thursday, August 1, 2013. Youngest of nine children, Frank was born in Abingdon, VA in 1930 on February 8th. Mr. Mays retired from 20 years of distinguished service in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, and the Pentagon War Room, U.S. Army Master Sergeant Mays taught cadets at Staunton and Fishburne military academies. Pastor Mays ministered faithfully at Stokesville Church for 22 years. He was affectionately known as "Chief" by friends and family. Bearer of the Purple Heart and other medals, Arthur's greatest, albeit unheralded, achievement was being the consummate husband, father and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Matie (Watson) Mays; a son, Mike; a grandson, Jason; four sisters, Hattie, Lydia Cox, Martha Alexander and Mary McCraken; and three brothers, Homer, Charlie and Dan. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Myrtle Wyatt Mays, family members include a sister, Faye Gray; a daughter, Kathy Hall; a son, Mark Mays and wife, Rhonda; a daughter-in-law, Ginny; seven grandchildren, Charity, Melissa and Luke Mays, Susan Hall Medlin, Neal Hall, Lydia Trollo, and Jennifer Mays Inboden; and five great grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2013, in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Mark Mays and Marshal Braylo. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens. Graveside rites will be conducted by Augusta-Staunton VFW Post #2216. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Monday, August 5, 2013, in the funeral home.