Justin M. Mays

Justin Michael Mays, 40, died on Thursday, June 4, 2015, after a courageous battle with a rare virus. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends every step of the way. Born Dec. 27, 1974, in Chicago Heights, Ill. and raised in Altavista and Lynchburg, Va., Justin was the son of Martha Dean Farmer Miller and Dr. Terry Miller and the late Michael Mays. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Virginia Farmer Woodall (called “Farmer Brown� by her grandchildren), Lloyd Thomas Farmer, Virginia Stevens Mays, and Thurmond “Curley� Mays, all formerly of Altavista, Va. Justin was the owner of Bedford Avenue Meat Shop and BAMS Catering Company in Lynchburg, Va. and felt it a privilege to serve his customers and community. While he was quick to give credit for his love of cooking to his mother, Justin was formally trained in the Culinary Arts at Stratford University in Falls Church, Va. Justin had a zest for life and an incredible sense of humor. His family and friends have been blessed with an abundance of special memories. Justin will be remembered for his incredible generosity, rich kindness, profound compassion for others and fierce spirit. He was an amazing friend to many. His greatest accomplishment, however, are his daughters, Rylee and Morgan, who love their Daddy. Justin is survived by his wife, Lisa Garwacke Mays, and daughters, Rylee and Morgan. He is also survived by his parents, Martha and Terry Miller; his sister and her husband, Melanie Mays-Srsic and Jared Srsic and his nephew, Janko Srsic, of Bedford, Va.; his mother-in-law, Susan Garwacke; his aunt, Kathy Parker of Roanoke, Va.; and step-brothers, Adam Miller, and Matt Miller and his wife, Wang Yao. Bedford Avenue Meat Shop will continue to flourish under the guidance of his family and remarkable staff. A private burial is planned and a celebration of his life will be held at Oakwood Country Club on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 4 p.m., and the family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Justin’s family via GoFundMe.com/JustinMays or in-person at the Boonsboro Road Bank of the James location; or to New Vistas School, 520 Eldon Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.