Benjamin James Mays

January15,1935- November 17,2024
Benjamin James Mays of Alabaster, AL departed from this life at the age of 89 to be with the Lord on November 17,2024. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Emily Jean Mays, daughter, Sheryl Mays Smith (husband, Kenneth Smith), and grandson, Cory Alan Smith (wife, Dr. Leen Matalka) and four nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Ash, and brother Jackson Lynn Mays. Ben was born in Grafton, West Virginia and served in the Air Force for four years as an electrical technician during the Korean War. He met his wife, Jean, at Ohio State University, were married and had their only daughter, Sheryl while living there. They moved to Gainesville, Florida where he attended the University of Florida. Upon moving to Atlanta, GA, he worked for AT&T until retirement. Before retiring, he graduated from Oglethorpe University at the age of 50 years with a B.A. in Business Administration. He worked until the age of 85 as a tax preparer. Ben volunteered with the American Legion for many years and was an avid sportsman playing football in high school and inter- mural basketball in college. He ran in the inaugural Peachtree Road Race in 1970 with only 150 runners, and enjoyed tennis and weightlifting. His smile and charming way will be missed by all. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.