Mr. Emory Harold Mays, 91, of North Augusta, S.C., entering into rest Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 at his residence.
Mr. Mays was the husband of Audy P. Mays. He was a native of Louisville and was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Floyd L. Mays, Sr. of Louisville. He was preceded in death by his son Rex Mays, his brothers James O’Donald Mays, England and Floyd L. Mays, Jr., Louisville.
His survivors include his son, Donald Mays (Fabiolia); step-sons, Judge C.A. Wood (Gwen) and Timothy Ray Wood; his daughters, Mickey Poole (Johnny) and Robbie Gilmore (Pete); a sister Hope Mays Arnold; grandchildren Natalie Gilmore, Camilla Mays, Brooke Mays, Sara Mays; a step grandson, Christopher Wood; one step-great grandchild, Eliza Wood.
His memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in the Rowland-Ford Funeral Home Chapel, 637 W. Martintown Road, North Augusta, SC with Jonathan Kilpatrick officiating. Inurnment will be private.
Mr. Mays was a veteran of the United States Navy having served as a pilot. His love of flying continued long after his service to his country. He was the owner and operator of the Thomson Airport for many years where countless people learned to fly and share Harold’s love for aviation.
In addition to flying, auto racing was a favoritepastime for him. He raced at many places across the southeast, including the old Augusta International Raceway.
When his service in the Navy was complete, Harold began his career as an auto mechanic. He took his knowledge of automobiles and opened his first business, Rex Auto Parts in Augusta. After some time, he donated the business to a few of his dedicated employees and began his new venture, Mays International Trucks, where he remained until his retirement.
Harold was very community minded and constantly strived to better his community. He was very active in the Columbia County Republican Party and served for a time as its Chairman. Harold was also a generous philanthropist, often giving behind the scenes so that his gifts could remain anonymous. He helped many people across the years but never spoke of it. He, along with Doug Hastings, began a campaign to take World War II Veterans to Washington DC to visit the memorials. This effort grew and has now spanned three decades and continues to take Veterans to visit the service memorials.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity or church.
Visit the online register at www.rowlandfordfuneralhome.com. Rowland-Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.