JACK MAYS

Another member of America’s Greatest Generation died October 8, 2012. Jack Robert Mays, 86 years old, veteran of World War Two, and who served in the U.S. Navy, spent the rest of his life in active participation in the civic affairs of his beloved Folkston and Charlton County. Ga.
He married Ann Elkins in 1948 and was the father of three daughters, Carole Mays, Peggy Miller and Joni Mays, all of Augusta, Ga.
Son of the late Howard Jasper and Naomi Martin Mays, he was also preceded in death by two brothers Richard Pope Mays and William Howard “Bill” Mays; and one sister Carolyn Mays Nowlin.
He is survived by his wife, daughters and several nieces and nephews.
Before enlisting in the Navy, he worked for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad as a teen-aged telegrapher-operator. After the War, he opened an insurance agency, owned and edited a weekly county newspaper, established Charlton County’s first nursing home and owned and operated the first radio station in Charlton County. An enthusiastic fan of the local high school football team, he especially enjoyed streaming the action of the exciting games through his WOKF-FM radio station.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Folkston.
Many honors were given him throughout life, including being elected Folkston Mayor, City Councilman and County Commissioner. Other civic concerns included his serving as officers in service clubs and area political groups. However, he was also deeply interested in the colorful history of Charlton County and its people and felt a compelling need to preserve it. For many years he researched and wrote weekly history articles for the county paper, gave lectures for service clubs and schools and was awarded the title Charlton County Historian by a unanimous recommendation of the Charlton County Grand Jury. He said that he valued this title more than any other he had received.
This man brought much joy to his family and friends. His infectious smile and good humor will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church on Thursday, October 11th, beginning at 10:00 am. The funeral, officiated by Rev. Randy Jacoby, will be at 11. Burial will be at Pineview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice or The Building Fund of First Baptist Church, Folkston.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia