Robert L. Mays, Sr.

Robert L. Mays, Sr., son of the late Roland Mays, Sr. and Willie B. Mays, was born on Sunday, July 30, 1939, in Grenada, Mississippi and departed this life on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 29 days. Robert Lee Mays Sr. confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. He was united in holy matrimony to Mary Ann Burden-Mays Sr. on March 12th, 1955, and to this union three children were born: Kenneth Leonard Mays, Robert Lee Mays Jr., Dwayne Alexander Mays. At the age of six, Robert Sr., started farming work in the fields of Mississippi with his uncles. During the age of nine, he learned to drive tractors with no power steering. Robert Lee Mays Sr., in his early teenage years, was a member of the gospel group called, The Starlight Travelers, from Grenada, Mississippi. He had a passion for gospel music and quartet singing. He sang as a bass singer. Robert Lee Mays Sr. sang alongside on stage with gospel artists such as Pop and Mavis Staples, Lee Williams and the QC's, The Canton Spirituals, and many others. In his early twenties, Robert Sr., broke ground in Gary, Indiana to live with his Uncle Ed who owned a gas station/mechanical shop. Robert Lee Mays Sr. developed new skills as an automotive mechanic, equipment operator, machinist, and truck driver. He acquired these skills while serving with Strick Trailer Company. During the 1950's, Robert Sr. and Mary Mays Sr. resided in the southside of Chicago, Illinois. With them being selfless and considerate of raising the three sons, they relocated in 1972 to Homestown, Missouri. In October of 1972, Robert Lee Mays Sr. became a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus, Emmanuel Lofton. He served 51 years as a member of SPMBC. During these years, Robert Sr. served in the following capacities: Deacon, Board of Trustees, Usher President, Church Van Driver, and Groundskeeper. Robert Lee Mays Sr. worked many years in the manufacturing industry for various companies like: Borg Warner, Emerson Electric, Missouri Highway Department of Transportation, and the City of Wardell. While working in the aluminum industry he was a conscientious hard worker. He set many production records as a saw operator. Robert Sr., could perform any job in the foundry, including furnace repair. There was not any type of equipment he couldn't operate. He would often mention, “the younger guys can't keep up with me" (with a little grin). After 23 years of serving in the aluminum industry, he retired at Loxcreen Company Inc. in Hayti, Missouri. Robert Lee Mays Sr. had a great love and passion for all people including strangers. Nothing topped his love, dedication, and devotion to God and his family. He was a firm believer in serving. His hobbies were spending time with his buddy and friend, Leroy Williams while distributing food boxes and checking on the status of the church grounds. Robert Sr. had a passion for mowing lawns and maintaining a clean community with the help of Shawn Hunter and nephew, Frankie Burden Sr. Robert Lee Mays Sr. went on to glory Tuesday, March 28th, 2023. His memory and love will forever be cherished by his wife: Mary Ann Burden Mays. Three Sons (& Wives): Kenneth (Sherry) Mays, Robert (Hazel) Mays Jr., Dwayne (& fiancé Dora Lewis) Mays. One Daughter in Love: Cori Freeman. Six Grandchildren: Kristian Mays, Gabrielle Mays, Robert (Toriska) Mays III, Alexander (Leah) Freeman, Aaron Terrill (Nashunna) Rogers, Samuel O Brien (Ramira) Rogers. One Brother, John (Chris) Mays- Benton Harbor, MI, One Sister Eunice Willis-Calhoun City, MS; One Great Grandson: Isaiah Warren James Freeman, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Robert Mays, Sr. is preceded in death by both parents and four siblings; Roland Mays, Jr., Jessie Kemp, Earbie Mays, and Willie Mays. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Homestown. Visitation will begin there at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. Burial will be in Homestown Cemetery in Homestown. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.