Fred L. Mays, Sr.

Fred Leroy Mays, Sr., 92, of Springfield, Ohio passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023. He was born in Springfield on January 8, 1931 to Tip and Alberta (Nelson) Mays.

He graduated from Springfield South High School. Fred served in the US Army as a tank commander. When he returned home, he worked at Crowell Collier as a printer and Vernay Laboratories as a material processor where he retired. Fred was a faithful, longtime member of Second Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board and Male Chorus. He loved to sing and as some of you may know he would always do his rendition of “Let the Church Roll On.” It surely showed his personality. He loved cooking out and would worry us about doing one every year because he would have it all planned out and then say to us only if you all want to. He was also Commander of the American Legion Post #125 for 12 years. Under his tenure they again held many barbecues selling dinners to successfully pay off the mortgage to the Yellow Springs Street location. His favorite thing things to do were keeping his lawn manicured, watch WWE even if they were all reruns, and sit on his front which is how he became lovingly known as the mayor of Western Ave. Fred was devoted to his family and friends of which there were many.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory: his very special longtime friend, Louise Wilson; daughters, Emma Holder, Frederica Mays, Patricia (Tobe) Gentry, and Donna Brino-Blackwell; son, Fred Mays, Jr.; sisters, Shirley Gladney and Shelia Mays; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and special friends, Earl Porter, Cecil Rice, and Sugar Myers, and Jeff Bohanon.

He was preceded in death by wife, Bliss Mays; and son, John L. Mays.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Second Baptist Church, 615 S. Wittenberg Ave, Springfield, Ohio 45506. Interment: Ferncliff Cemetery Soldiers Mound.

Friends and Family may also view Mr. May's Funeral service virtually via the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3838167747

Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.