Jerald "Jerry" Robert Mays, a loving follower of Christ, unexpectedly passed away, Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the age of 62, following complications from a noninvasive heart surgery.
Loving husband for 41 years of Tracy Mays (nee Cox); dear father of Jordan (Carlos) Espinosa and Kendall Lynn Mays; beloved grandfather “Pops” of Enzo Robert Espinosa Mays, Teo Carlos Espinosa Mays and Baby Espinosa Mays on the way; son of Donald (Duck) Sr. and Saraetta (Sally) Mays (nee Skinner); brother of Donald Jr. (Donna) Mays, Kecia Mays and Lucie (Rick) Sulewski; son-in-law of Tom (Lynn) Cox; brother-in-law of Tim (Karen) Cox and Leslie Keller; loving uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Jerry devoted his life to his family, making choices for the betterment of them. Jerry spent 4 years in the United States Air Force, and worked hard to be number 1 in his class so that he could select his military base in order to be close to his parents and Tracy’s parents in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Following his service in the U.S. Military, Jerry went to work for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals for 35 years. Jerry dedicated his life to being a generous provider for his wife, his daughters, his son-in-law and later grandchildren. He made sure that everyone was cared for and loved always. Following retirement in 2024, Jerry watched his beautiful grandsons weekly, traveled to many places, rode his bike and worked out frequently and took up golf in his spare time (or tried to.) One of his great passions in life was spending quality time with family members and friends.
His loss is completely devastating to his family and friends, who will forever celebrate the life that he lived and grieve the life he should’ve continued to have for many years to come. However, we take comfort in knowing that Jerry is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and will be our Guardian Angel. Although Jerry was called home way too soon, his joy, his zest for life and his outgoing, wonderful personality will live on in his wife, daughters, grandchildren, family and friends. One of Jerry’s favorite movie quotes is “what is grief, if not love persevering.” We will continue to love like Jerry and we will see him again someday.
Services: Memorial Service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 2 until 5 p.m. If desired, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Friends and family may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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