Junior Mays, 81, of Alum Creek, WV, departed this life on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital at Charleston, WV.

He was born February 22, 1943, at Logan, WV, a son of the late George and Elva Stanley Mays.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Kay Rigsby; one son, Roderick Keith Mays; brothers, Burl Mays, Jonie Mays, Claude Mays, Johnny Mays, Tommy Mays, Carl Mays, and Texas Lee Mays; sisters, Lorraine Kiser, Mary Robinette, and Lilly Elkins; and one son-in-law, Earl “Dirty” Lambert.

Junior dedicated over 30 years of service to the coal industry as a coal miner, retiring from Massey Energy. He was an avid outdoorsman. His happiest moments were spent cutting grass, caring for his home, and being surrounded by nature. Junior's passion for the outdoors was only rivaled by his love for football season, which he eagerly anticipated each year. Above all, Junior was a family man. His greatest joy was the time he spent surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and the joy of simple pleasures.

Those left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Diane (Bryan) Hensley of Spencer, WV, and Vickie Lambert of Richmond, KY; two grandsons, Colton Belcher of Morgantown, WV, and Caden Belcher of Sissonville, WV; two sisters, Kathy “Kat” (Mike) Saunders of Matthews, NC, and Janice (Jimmy) Robinette of Logan, WV; his ex-wife and longtime friend, Barbara Mays Cox of Logan, WV; and his best friend and neighbor, Joe McCallister of Alum Creek, WV. Additionally, Junior leaves behind five step-grandchildren along with a host of extended family and friends.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, at Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill, WV.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.