Obituary
Guest Book
Aug
20
10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home
5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213
Send FlowersAug
22
11:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home
5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213
Send FlowersServices provided by
Rose City Cemetery & Funeral HomeOnly 1 day left for delivery to next service.
In Loving Memory of Rubin "Leon" Mays II
September 18, 1977 – July 30, 2025
Rubin “Leon” Mays II was born on September 18, 1977, to Louise and Rubin Leon Mays I. From an early age, Leon brought laughter, compassion, and a spark of creativity to everyone he encountered. He attended Boise Grade School, where he met his favorite teacher, Ms. Ellie, who inspired his love for learning and left a lasting impact.
Leon graduated from POIC in 1996 and later pursued his passion for cooking by earning a degree from culinary school. He was known for his bold approach in the kitchen, never shy to say, “I know I can make it better,” always putting his own spin on every recipe.
Leon found joy in simple pleasures—fishing with friends and family, cracking jokes, listening with a caring heart, and offering the kind of advice that only he could deliver. He was a steady presence in the lives of his cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends—always showing up, always making people laugh, and always lending a helping hand.
Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Leon met every day with courage, strength, and the will to keep going. He never stopped fighting and never stopped loving. He passed away on July 30, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Leon is now reunited in heaven with many beloved family members: Patricia Hayes “Shane” (Aunt), Mattie Hayes (Grandmother), Hubert Hayes “Jr.” (Uncle), Cleophis Alexander Sr. (Grandfather), Grace Alexander (Grandmother), Geraldine Hayes “Dean” (Aunt), Cleophis Alexander Jr. “Ricky” (Uncle), Terry Alexander (Uncle), Richard Mays (Uncle), Barbara Robinson (Aunt), Randy Alexander (Uncle), Doris Alexander “Gena” (Aunt), James Rouse (Cousin), Lamarr Luster “Squeaky” (Cousin), Sharon Goldsby (Cousin), and Ezekiel Handy “Zeke” (Cousin).
He is survived by his loving parents, Louise Mays and Rubin Mays I; his sister, Tonia Mays; his uncle, Robin Mays; aunts Francine Alexander and Joann Goldsby; Alcurtis Norful and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will carry his memory forward with love and pride.
Leon will be remembered for his heart, his humor, his strength, and the way he made everyone feel like family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5625 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreAug
20
10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home
5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213
Send FlowersAug
22
11:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home
5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213
Send FlowersServices provided by
Rose City Cemetery & Funeral HomeOnly 1 day left for delivery to next service.