MAXWELL MAYS Obituary

MAYS, MAXWELL, often called Rhode Island's 'living legend', died peacefully at his home on November 16th in Coventry, RI at the age of 91.

A leading figure in the state's cultural life for over a half century, he was best known as a folk artist of scenes of his beloved Rhode Island. He was a lay minister for over four decades at the Greene United Methodist Church in Greene, RI.

Born in Providence, RI, Max was the son of the late W. Clarke S. Mays Sr and Alice Hill Mays. He is survived by his sister, Alice M. Gray of Providence, a niece Allison Barrett of Providence and nephews Roger F. Knight, William Knight, W.C.S. 'Skip' Mays III of Coventry, James H. Mays of Camden, ME and Curtis Mays of Ketchum, ID. He was predeceased by his brother W. Clarke S. Mays, Jr.

A graduate of RISD, he began painting seriously while serving in the US Air Force in Brazil during WWII. His first one-man commercial show was at the Ferargil Gallery in New York in 1948. In the ensuing years he became notable for a number of highly successful art shows and magazine covers, including Yankee Magazine, featuring traditional New England scenes, and was a highly sought-after speaker and storyteller. As a successful businessman, he was Treasurer of Mays Manufacturing Company, a family business until its sale in the mid-1980s. He was Past President and Director Emeritus of the Providence Art Club where the main gallery is named in his honor. He led the drive for a major restoration of the historic property in the late 1970's and recently toured the latest renovation efforts at the Art Club. He had received Honorary Doctorates from Rhode Island College and Johnson & Wales University. He was named an Honorary Rhode Island Commodore in 1986.

He was also a philanthropist, whose generosity benefited numerous organizations, including The RI Foundation, Audubon Society and Community Prep. His paintings were consistently the highlight of auction fundraisers throughout the region.

There will be a memorial service on December 12th at 11:00 at the 1st Baptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street, Providence. Donations in his memory may be made to the Rhode Island SPCA in East Providence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Nov. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for MAXWELL MAYS

14 Entries

Max's "surprised" face at this 88th Birthday.

Celia Zanger

November 30, 2009

Max, you will always be one of my biggest heros and best inspirations. You taught me a great deal about life and love and made me feel really at home in Rhode Island. I am truly blessed to have called you my friend. May your spirit live on in all of our hearts through your work and words forever.

Mark Thompson

November 22, 2009

We have had Max's painting of East Greenwich in the 1890s handing in the wall of our kitchen here in Maryland for more than a decade. Thanks Max!

Arthur Richter

November 22, 2009

Dear Skip:

I was so saddened when I learned about Max's death.

I have such wonderful memories and smiles when I think of his wit and charm and the times we spent together.

The world was a better place because of Max.

My thoughts are with you and your entire family.

Nessy

November 20, 2009

Max will always live on in my memories. I am thankful that I was lucky enough to know him. I am thankful for all the happy memories at the lake, the wonderful dinners, the beautiful sermons he gave. Max you meant so much to me and to my family and you were such a happy blessing in our lives. You will be missed.

Chrisy Gavin

November 20, 2009

Max used to call me Queen Victoria. Apparently I look just like her. He always had a story to tell and was very sweet to me throughout the years. I have many memories of dinners at the lake house, visiting his studio, and working with him while framing for Herbie and Susan Holland. It was a privilege to have known him. He will be missed.

Catherine LePage

November 19, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the family. Mr Mays art has a special place in my heart. My mother was a resident of Cra-Mar Meadows for a number of years. His paintings are in the halls of Cra-Mar and my Mom and I would admire them. On the sad days they brought me comfort. Thank you Mr. Mays

Sandy Cabral

November 19, 2009

Max became our best friend from the moment we me at lunch at the Art Club when I asked him to sign my napkin to his birthday party and dinners at Wood Lot to the art show at The Artists' Exchange.
What a treasure! He will be greatly missed.

Raymond Finelli

November 19, 2009

It is a sence of great loss to realize that Max with his cheery outlook, his infectious sense of humor, his rousing, booming laughter is no longer with us. We first met in high school Art Class. (he was in the class of 1936 and I in 1940) He started advising me even then and has been helping me ever since, with his assignments for portraits through the years, as well as steering portrait commissions my way. His sermons always gave you something to take home. And who can forget his many invitations to Teda and me to come to Wood Lot for his gustatory productions. It was always "Come to dinner, be here about six." At the Art Club when you ran into him invariably it was "Sit down." (for lunch) What a friend! He did many wonderful things for so many of us. So many years! So many memories.

November 19, 2009

Christine Tierney

November 19, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Mays. I have many pleasant memories of his sermons at the United Methodist Church. His dedication to the Providence Art Club and the many causes he supported now benefit all of us. Thank you Maxwell Mays for all you done for Rhode Island! You will be sadly missed.

Jeffrey Kos

November 18, 2009

My condolences to the family and the network of friends that Max made through his long life. I will never forget his kindness, imagination, eloquence, hospitality, and unique spirit. When I think of the best of Rhode Island, Max will always come to mind.

Anne Finelli

November 18, 2009

I have many nice memories of Maxwell with my parents, Raymond and Edith (Whitaker) Finelli. He was always a good friend to my father, and helped him establish his portrait career in the 1980's. He also grew up with my mother, as he lived near her cousins in Cranston and they often played together with my aunt Marjory (Whitaker). By the way, I see that Maxwell is still promoting my father's portraits from heaven, as Ray's portrait of him is in the background of the photo that was on the front page of the journal yesterday! It would have been just like him to plan something like that! He was always such a good friend to my father, so entertaining, and full of joy. We will always be thankful, remembering the good times, and shall all miss him terribly.

November 18, 2009

To the Loved Ones of Mr. Mays:
Maxwell and his father were customers at the Mapleroot Exxon on Rt. 3. My family has many fond memories of interacting with him and the way he always made time for a friendly chat, leaving us with a smile.

My sister and I have been dealing with my parents possessions since the lost of my mother and amoung the things we came across were how they cut out articles over the years about the Mays family and they had also saved a very speical note written to them from Maxwell.

When my dad's business burned to the ground Maxwell sent a note with two checks enclosed to Dad stating they were so sorry to hear what had happened and they were enclosing what they thought were the charges they had made during the month. Maxwell stated that if Bud thought the amount was in error to let him know. At such a challeging time for our family to send the money in was a wonderful and thoughtful thing.

My brother Clint was the only one I knew of to tease him about driving with mittens on. It was a pleasure to know him and know that our family sends their regards and will keep all of you in our prayers.
Warmly, the Burroughs family

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