Dr. Charles Edwin Mays

MAYS,
DR. CHARLES EDWIN, 77
Dunnellon - Dr. Charles Edwin Mays entered into heaven on November 14, 2015, after an intense battle with brain cancer. He was born to Percy and Helaine Mays on May 6, 1938, in Lincoln NE, where he grew up and graduated from Northeast High School in 1956.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Judy (Johnson) Mays; daughter, Kristy Hines (Jim Jr.) of Tampa, FL; and son, Dr. Steve Mays (Angie) of Golden, CO, as well as six grandchildren, Lauren, Emily and Parker Hines and Trey, Jacob and Micah Mays. Charlie also leaves behind his sister, Mary Jo Mays of Peoria, IL; sister-in-law, Marian Payne of Kearney, NE, a niece and two nephews as well as many good friends.
He attended Nebraska Wesleyan and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating with a BS and MS in Biology. He received his Ph.D. in Physiology at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ in 1968 and then served as a Cell Biology and Physiology professor at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, for 36 years. During that time he earned the Distinguished Professor Award in 1978 and in 2000 as well as the Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Tucker Distinguished Career Award in 2003. He was instrumental in helping establish the Science Research Fellows (an Honors Program) and served as its head for many years. Teaching students, watching them learn and building relationships with them was one of his true passions.
After retiring to Spruce Creek Preserve in Dunnellon, FL in 2004, he was able to enjoy some of his other passions such as golf, cruises with Judy, colored pencil drawings/Wednesday morning art classes at the Red Swan, and growing beautiful Florida flowers and plants.
The family would like to thank the Hospice staff for their tender care, especially during his last month. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the spring of 2016. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Marion County in his name.