Thomas Michael Mays

Thomas M. Mays, 89, passed away September 14, 2024. He was an icon of the area, watching Phoenix grow more than anyone for over 80 years. He spent his final years in Sun City helping the Bell Visitor Center and was available to assist with anything. He even was a guide at the Science Center in Peoria. He will be sorely missed.
Tom was born in Morgantown, WV, but moved to Phoenix in the early 1940s. He considered himself a native having attended Isaac Elementary School, Phoenix Union HS and graduating from West HS. He received his AA from Phoenix College in computer programming. He patriotically served in the Arizona Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserves. He was proud to be a Copperhead.
He started his career at Reynolds Metals. Once he finished his degree, he went to work for GE. He moved through two buyouts to Honeywell and then Bull. He joked his pension came from the French government. He retired in 1991 and after, he and his wife Shirley traveled and cruised. When Shirley passed, he and his daughter traveled the world
He loved fishing, gardening, travel, Laughlin, aeronautical history, current events, and making wine. And it was good wine.
He is predeceased by his wife Shirley Marie Mays (Simpson), his parents Cecil and Mary Mays (Lohanick), and his sister Janet Hanby (Mays). He is survived by his daughter Helena Rose (Rosie) Mays, dozens of nieces and nephews as well their children and grandchildren, and loving friends all over the country.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church on Friday, October 11, at 10:30 am., 9728 W. Palmeras Dr., Sun City, AZ 85373. His favorite color was red, so wear a bit of crimson in his honor.