Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
William "Buddy" Thomas Mayes Jr.
1989 - 2023
William "Buddy" Thomas Mayes Jr.
1989 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1989
DIED
2023
William "Buddy" Mayes Jr. Obituary
William Thomas “Buddy” Mayes Jr., 33, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.
He was born Oct. 20, 1989, the son of William Thomas Mayes Sr. and Kathy Dyer.
He is survived by his parents; five children, Elijah, Ezekiel, Taegan, Brantley, and Gracelynn; and one sister, Marie Mayes.
Buddy worked at Wal-Mart and Pathway. He loved the Chargers and his children were his life.
A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at Jacksonville East Cemetery. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the funeral home to help with expenses. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.
Ann Moreno
January 14, 2025
You will always be remembered and missed
Bryan McGee
January 23, 2023
I met Willie at Camp Care A Lot. A week-long summer camp for underprivileged, at risk children. First as a camper, then as a jr. Counselor, and as a full Counselor when he was old enough. The counselors are all volunteer, and Willie was there at every camp for many years. I can attest that he touched the heart of everyone who met him. He was full of life and love, and the campers were all affected by him in a most positive way. Every child knew his name by the first day of camp. I am pretty sure he was the favorite counselor at every camp. I had the privilege of being co-counselor of one of the boys cabin with Willie on two occasions. His ability to connect with the boys was amazing. He was a truly kind and generous soul. The world is a lesser place without him.
Tim Holt
January 23, 2023
What a shame about Willie , he will be missed by all in Special Olympics , me especially, because he helped me at Wal - Mart when I got my smart phone. Thank you so very much for your help, generous heart , and giving nature. Miss you Will.
Aly West
January 22, 2023
My heart breaks along with his family and friends.
I met Willie when he was a camper at camp Care-A-Lot. And got to work along side him when he came back as a volunteer.
This young man had the greatest heart of anyone I have met.
He was a leader and role model to many. ❤
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
crystal hennessey
January 21, 2023
Sleep sweet Willie. This has been a terrible loss. I'll miss you always
Ann Moreno
January 21, 2023
You was a good friend to my son Rocky Jr and romona you will be missed from Moreno family
Tim Beals
January 21, 2023
You will be missed buddy you allways had me laughing you were heck of a ball player we had some good times.
Broderick & Carolyn Daniels
January 21, 2023
Sending our condolences to u Bill Sr. Will miss Willie at Walmart. He was a very respectfully young man always willing to help others.
Courtney J
January 21, 2023
You are going to be missed by so many people! I will always cherish the memories we made together. I still feel like it's a dream, I'm waiting on a snap any minute now, but realizing I will never get another snap from you breaks my heart all over again! Love & miss you so much! Rest easy until we meet again.
Sarah
January 21, 2023
I only knew Willie because of his job at Pathway, I just want the family & friends to know that I am very sorry for your loss. It's not enough, I know, I have experienced loss of two young people in our family that we thought would be here, but sadly had to say goodbye way too soon.
tina braun
January 20, 2023
rest in peace willie you will be missed. u were an amazing friend and wonderful dad. im still at a loss for words its just unbelievable. watch over us all as we learn to live life without you here with us.
I have been trying to realize that this isn´t a dream. I know you were hurting and going through a lot. I´m sorry it had to end this way. I just want you to know that you were always ENOUGH bro. I´m really going to miss you texting me every day saying goo
Mary Burton
January 20, 2023
I love you bro! I’m going to miss you!!!!!!!
January 20, 2023
I remember Willie from Camp Care-a-lot in Jacksonville. He was a special young man. I am so sorry to hear he has passed. Your family has my prayers and sympathy. I hope something good will come of this.
Cathy Mayes-McLean
January 20, 2023
I love and miss you my sweet baby boy. You are a special man. Til I see you again I love you. I will carry you in my heart. Love your momma.
Tassie Dyer
January 20, 2023
I will miss you so much nephew.. Until we see each other again fly high... I love you..
Vincent Galloway
January 20, 2023
Willie may u Rest in Peace bro ur my best friend ur my brother we all love and miss u we are here for the family whatever they may need "We Da Ones" gone way too soon
Eydee Schultz
January 19, 2023
Willie, I just simply can't imagine a world without you. Your kindness, caring, dedication, empathy for others and just plain love of family, friends and our Camp Care-A-Lot family, made you the incredible man you became. You touched so many lives and made a positive difference in all our lives. You will be missed by everyone who knew you. Meeting you when you were about 7 and having you at camp then and for so MANY years after, kept you close to my heart. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for making the campers and treasure hunters better people. You role modeled how to be a good person.
You will always be remembered by me and so many others, as a most special and loving person!
Bill, Sr. I'm trying to figure out how to get in contact with you. We met so many years ago and if you can bring yourself to contact me, please, please do so:
[email protected] or find me on Facebook private messenger, not on FB friends.
I send my deepest condolences to you and your family on behalf of
myself and all Camp Care-A-Lot. We are deeply and profoundly sad. I'm signing this on this site as teacher. It's the closest I can get to me having him as a camper, counselor and LEADERS participant!
Eydee Schultz
C & Z Frick
January 19, 2023
You will be deeply missed. I hope you're better than you were and at peace.
Dawn Schafer
January 18, 2023
Bill I've known you for years I'm praying for you and little Willie you always been a great man to people around you and may you rip.and bill I'm sending you my condolences I'm so sorry
ONA Burton
January 18, 2023
Hey u man still don't seem real u was good person to everyone we want say we love u u will b miss in rip bro
Breanna, Elijah, Ezekiel Frick/Mayes
January 18, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful father. We will love you and miss you always.
Jessica Kiser
January 17, 2023
Willie, you were always so kind to those around you. Sending many prayers to your babies, friends, and family. Rest easy, old friend.
Kimmy Landes
January 17, 2023
Willie, you were an absolute fantastic friend. No matter how much time passed you were always so happy and welcoming. Fly high friend! Until we meet again!
Gabriella Wilson
January 17, 2023
You will definitely be missed by everyone that loved you and especially all of the children you were raising.
Sue Large
January 17, 2023
My sincere condolences to you Bill and family for your loss of Willie.
Pamla Turner thompson
January 17, 2023
May you RIP my friend. I will always remember your kind heart and soul. Prayers for your babies and family and friends.
elizabeth harms
January 17, 2023
i'll always remember are days at school seeing you out and about through walmart you will be truly missed...
Vera Slater-Dixon
January 17, 2023
Bill Mayes Sr, My thoughts and prayers and condolences are with you and your family at this time on the loss of your son. Praying for you all.
Cory & MaKayla Harris
January 17, 2023
We love you so much Willie. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend all these years. I hope you are pain free and happier than ever now. Rest in peace my friend.
A Caring Stranger
January 16, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
1100 Lincoln Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650
Make a Donation
in William "Buddy" Mayes Jr.'s name
How to support William "Buddy"'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William "Buddy" Mayes Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
