Irie Clinton Mays was born in Appomattox County, Va., on May 8, 1948, and passed away at his home on July 5, 2023. He was the husband of the late Pam Cox Mays.

He was the son of Gilbert and Irene Page Mays. He was educated in Appomattox County Schools. While in high school, he was blessed with uncanny foot speed and set several records. In football he scored 162 points in one season, in track he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.8 seconds and the 220-yard dash in 21.0 seconds. He also excelled in hurdles and broad jump. Irie took his football career to Ferrum College where he was running back for two seasons.

After Ferrum, he began his working career at B&W in 1969 and remained there as a nuclear welder until his retirement. His skills in welding were excellent and he was asked to train other workers. He met Pamela Cox at B & W, and they were married on July 10, 1976, in his parents' front yard. They were the parents of two sons, Joshua Walton Mays and his wife, Christy, and Zachery Clinton Mays. He was blessed with four grandsons, Hayden, Cedar, Parker, and Noah.

Irie and Pam loved being outdoors and spent many happy hours at Conner's Lake with a host of good friends.

In addition to his two sons and grandsons he is survived by a sister, Lois Mays; a brother, Monte Mays and wife, Linda; a brother-in-law, Jay Kelly; uncle and aunt, Ray and June Page; two nephews, Wade and Thomas Mays; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyne Mays Kelly.

The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home on Monday, July 10, 2023, from 7 until 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, North Piedmont Central Office, 245 Alleghany Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com