John Lamar Mays, 61, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022. He was born in Springfield on November 26, 1960, a son of Fred Mays, Sr. and Bliss (Allen) Mays. He graduated from Springfield South High School. John served in the U.S. Marine Corps for a brief period. When he returned home, he worked at Springfield News & Sun for 12 years as a press operator. After leaving there he worked for the Pepsi-Cola bottling plant as a loader. John was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan and did not hesitate to let you know by the Steelers cap he always wore. As serious as John was about his team, he was truly a cut-up. Whenever he showed up at a family cookout, wedding or gathering, you knew there was going to be plenty of laughter. We always said John should have been a comedian. He just genuinely loved to see others have a good time. His favorite pastime was fishing and mowing lawns—or as he would say, he enjoyed manicuring lawns. If you ever had your grass cut by him, you know what that means. John leaves to cherish his memory: his father, Fred Mays, Sr.; sisters, Emma Holder, Frederica Mays, and Patricia (Tobe) Gentry; brother, Fred Mays, Jr.; children, Brooke Cosby, Olivia Mansfield, Conner Mays, and Tristan Mays; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bliss (Allen) Mays. Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Covenant United Methodist Church, 529 W. Johnny Lytle Ave, Springfield, Ohio 45506. Rev. Jawwad Love, officiant. Interment: Ferncliff Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.
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