Appomattox – Gilbert Eugene Mays, 82, of 104 Peach Street died Sunday October 30, 2005 at his residence. He was the husband of the late Irene Page Mays.
Gilbert was born in Appomattox County, January 16, 1923, a son of the late William Arthur and Margaret Thompson Mays. Gilbert proudly served his country during World War II serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Shangrila in the Pacific and was a retired employee of Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation, now Williams Company. He was a member of Grace Hills Baptist Church; an active member of American Legion Post #104 and was instrumental in starting American Legion Baseball locally; Past President Piedmont Beekeepers Association; served on the Commonwealth of Virginia, Plant Pollination Advisory Board Appointed by Gov. Gerald Bailies for a three year term commencing on July 1, 1988. Gilbert was an expert beekeeper having worked with honey bees since he was six years old. He and his late wife, Irene, spent numerous hours in local schools teaching students the importance of the honey bee and the honey they made. He was a member of the 703 Chittlin Club where he was well known for his fried chicken and saw mill gravy.
Gilbert is survived by four children, Carolyne Mays Kelly and her husband, Jay; Lois W. Mays all of Lynchburg; Irie C. Mays and his wife, Pam and Monte W. Mays and his wife, Linda Jo all of Appomattox; a sister, Lena Mays Pollard of Goode; four grandchildren, Monte Wade Mays, II, Joshua Walton Mays, Thomas Eugene Mays and Zachery Clinton Mays; sisters-in-law, Clarine Mays, Louise Mays, Mary P. Deaner, Vera P. Pugh, Gladys P. Carson, Vernelle P. Bellon; two brothers-in-law, Charlie Page and Ray Page; numerous nieces and nephews and three devoted caregivers, Donal Williams, Judy Osment, Patricia Davidson.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Bolton and two brothers, Clarence Mays and Lee Mays.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday November 2, 2005 at Robinson Funeral Home by the Rev. Wes Williams. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post #104 Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8:00 P.M. today and at other times at the residence.
Those wishing to make memorials please consider Grace Hills Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 807, Appomattox, VA 24522, American Legion Post #104, Appomattox Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 57, Appomattox, VA 24522, or the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 823, Lynchburg, VA 24505.