David L. Mays

David L. Mays

86, of West Alexandria, OH, passed away peacefully at his home and surrounded by his family on Sunday afternoon November 7, 2021. Born December 25, 1934 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of George M. and Carrie (Sherman) Mays. He earned his BS in Physics from Lincoln University in Lincoln, Pennsylvania, where he also was a member of Phi Beta Kappa fraternity, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Drafted into the US Army in May of 1958, he spent his military service at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey and was discharged in May of 1960. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Solid State Physics from Ohio State University in Columbus, through the AFIT program from Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He then began his career with the Department of Defense as a Research Physicist working at Wright Patterson for over 30 years. David was a gentle, humble, kind and unique man. He was active in his communities, serving as Treasurer for the Jefferson Regional Water Authority for many years; as President of the Fairforest Owners Board in South Carolina; and member of West Alexandria Village Council for 12 years, where he also served as President. After retiring, he had the opportunity to travel the world with his wife Karen and experience many different sights and cultures.

In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis in November of 1997; and brothers Lloyd Mays, Russell Mays, Jamie McGriff and Junior McGriff.

Survived by wife Karen L. (Hurst) Mays whom he married June 5, 1999; step sons Michael A. Goad and wife Regina, and Kevin P. Goad and wife December; God daughter Diane Grimm; granddaughters Shelly Rhines, Brandy Rhines and Nikki Rhines; step grandsons, Jarod Goad and Caleb Goad; step granddaughters, Quinn Goad and Bronwyn Goad; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Phil and Claudia Hurst of West Alexandria; sisters-in-law Pauline Mays, of Pittsburgh, PA and Essie Mays of Chicago, IL; and numerous great grandchildren.

Graveside services will begin at 11:00 AM Friday, November 12, 2021 at Fairview Cemetery, Rt. 503 South, West Alexandria. Pastors Ron “Rudy” Roth and George Glaze will officiate. Arrangements entrusted to the Preble Memory Gardens Funeral Center, West Alexandria.

Contributions in David's memory may be made to Truth for Life, Alistair Begg, www.TruthForLife.org or American Diabetes Association, Diabetes.org or West Alexandria Church of the Brethren, 22 E. Oak St., West Alexandria, OH 45381 www.westalexcob.com