The family of John William Mays formerly of Centerville, Tennessee, requested we share the news of his passing. Mr. Mays was a member of the 1966 graduating class at Hickman County High School and was known as Billy to his friends.

John William “Bill” Mays, born on January 3, 1948, at St. Thomas Hospital, Nashville, TN, passed away on December 5, 2024. Bill was the beloved son of Hays Anderson Mays and Helen Byrne Frost Mays and cherished brother to Elizabeth Carol Mays Mayberry. Bill was a member of Hickman County High School Class of 1966. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and dedicated 43 years of his professional life as a Nuclear Engineer at General Electric. His career was marked by significant contributions, including helping to build and maintain several nuclear power plants.

Bill was married to Marcia Mays for 54 wonderful years. Together, they raised three children: Sean Mays (Ellen), Shelley Mays (Shannon), and Shannon Mays Beavers. Bill was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Bella, Andy, Ryan, Kyle, Jeremy, Juliette, Coleigh, and Parker.

In his personal life, Bill enjoyed home improvement, golfing, gardening, and fishing. He was also a dedicated member of the GE Elfun Project C.U.R.E. Foundation and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, reflecting his commitment to both his profession and his community. Bill’s legacy is one of dedication, love, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life honoring Bill will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, 2:00 P.M. at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 P.M. until time of service.