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Anthony Mays Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 21, 2024.

Anthony R. Mays of Shelbyville, IL, passed away peacefully in Mattoon on the morning of December 20, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Tony was 59 years old.

Born on October 11, 1965, in Centralia, Illinois to Jack and Kenna Mays, Tony was a dynamic presence in the lives of all who knew him. Tony attended Stewardson-Strasburg High School and later developed his love of working on cars, artistic skill, and fine attention to detail by attending school for auto body.

Tony worked for over 22 years as a maintenance technician for the Shelby County Housing Authority. Before this, he worked at Roger's Auto Body in Effingham and owned his own auto body shop in Shelbyville and later Herrick.

With a vibrant personality and a straight-forward attitude, Tony was known for his eagerness to lend a helping hand and share his vast knowledge with others. His skills as a handyman were unmatched, and whether it was fixing a neighbor's car or offering advice, he was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need. He had never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to new people, no matter where he was.

Tony's family was the center of his life. He is survived by his three sons: Patrick Mays of Herrick, Kaleb Mays and his wife Raye of Shelbyville, and Jacob Mays and his wife Jaycie of Pensacola, Florida; and five beloved grandchildren: Eden, Griffin, Iverson, Axton, and Fallyn Mays, who brought immense joy to his life. He also leaves behind an older brother, Ronnie Mars, and two younger sisters, Angel Sparrow and Penny Simmons. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Tony was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Shelbyville. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and two dogs, Mags and Major. He also enjoyed working on vehicles, spending time outdoors, traveling, and collecting and flipping antiques.

He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

In memory of the remarkable life of Tony, his family is establishing a fund to support the creation of a charitable trades scholarship in his name. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the fund. The link is shared below.

https://gofund.me/540f83df

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

December 29, 2024

Deb (Conder) Stremming posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2024

Lowis Shell Family planted trees.

December 21, 2024

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Deb (Conder) Stremming

December 29, 2024

I was a high school classmate. Tony had an ornery and jokester side that made life interesting and fun. As we got older and had families; life changed us. I began to see a different side of Tony. He was helpful and caring. He talked about family and going to church and how he helped others in his neighborhood and community. He was proud of his boys. I was shocked to hear we lost a classmate within a few months after the discovery of cancer. He will be missed. God, you got a good helper but be prepared to laugh!