Basil Mays

Basil Mays, 69, of Roanoke, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in Charlotte, NC. He was born on October 1, 1950 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Joseph Mays Sr. and Lomie Craggett Mays. Basil was a loving father, uncle, friend and brother. He served at GE for 30 years then retired to the city of Charlotte, NC. Basil always made time for family, friends and wouldn't hesitate to call or visit. Whether returning from work travels or just stopping by, Basil made sure to say hello to everyone while he was in town. Basil gave everyone the amount of time they need from a simple hello, a short chat or a confidential ear. His goal was to get you to smile, and he was certain to do so. You were bound to be given a nickname or be a victim of his many mind games, but it was always all in good fun; at least for him. After all, Basil was light at heart and never meant any harm and always with respect. No matter the problem, he would in his own clever way, end things on a good note. He was always himself, right or wrong, and that was something you could count on. If he upset you, he gave you some space or an audience; and if he was upset with you, he addressed it calmly but firm. He was a man who was never led by his feelings, but with reason. Basil always said, "Never lose control" and "Keep is simple…. you know the rest, right?" These 2 quotes were the hallmark of who Basil was. Live, love, laugh… and that he did. You will be missed beyond measure. In addition to his parents, Basil was preceded in death by his brothers, James W. Mays, Joseph Mays Jr., and Tony E. Mays; his sister, Elaine Mays, niece; Shirley Mays; and his daughter, Kimberly Mays Harrington. Survived by, Carroll Kenny Mays; sister, Yvonne Mays Via, Lomie Estelle Mays, Lucille Mays, and Cheryl "Ann" Stephens Family remaining to cherish his memory includes Stephanie Rucker, Wife; Linda C. Mays, daughter, Tuesday (Frank) Scott; sons, James (Jovon) Blake, Charles (Sebrina) Blake, Mikaell (Rhapsody) Mays, Basil J. Mays, and Stephon Rucker. Also, to remember him are his grandchildren Ralph, Destiny, Alysha, Arana, Chayna Roberts, Chavae, Charles (Cj), Ricardo, Xavier, Kayden, Shania, Miykael, Elijah, Malakiy, Zelia. nieces; Tee-Jay, Bernice, Nessie, Melany, April, Deborah, Tameka, Tammy nephews; George, Sam, Antonio, Jody, Joe, and Michael. Family of extended family; too numerous to list by name, but just as important. Memorial services honoring our father's life will be conducted on Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 126 Gilmer Ave. N.W. Roanoke, VA 24016 Wake will be Friday at 6pm- 7:00pm Funeral Saturday March 21, 2020 at 12pm