Billy Wayne Mays, 91, a lifelong Denton County resident, went to his Heavenly home on  Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Golden Meadows Care Home in Denton.

Billy was born on October 8, 1930 in Green Valley to Alvin and Katie Bell (Johnson) Mays. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and was a member of Gateway United Baptist Church.  He was married to Betty Tom Oliver on November 21, 1951 in Denton. He retired as a Pressman for Moore Business Forms.

Billy was a kind, gentle soul who required little to be content.  He appreciated a good cap, warm flannel shirt, and a cowboy bandanna for a handkerchief.  With a preference for simple cuisine he loved well salted pinto beans, cornbread and fried taters, and a cold diet Dr Pepper.  He taught his family that "pork is king" and meals should end with a little sweet.  No stranger to the kitchen he manned the skillet and turned out bodacious apricot fried pies at Christmas time.

His idea of entertainment was a good John Wayne western on television from his much loved recliner.  His choice of music was old school country by Merle Haggard.  His favorite read was any Louis L'Amour paperback.  He believed strongly in the benefits of a good nap.

He lived life without complaint.  His nature was to accept his physical limitations with grace and good humor.  He was fun to be around.  He loved his family and that love was returned to him tenfold.  He will be missed by all who knew him and enjoyed his company.

Billy is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Mays, of Denton; daughters, Marlena Lane and husband Rodney, Brenda Mays, Debra Mays; grandsons, Matthew Morris, Jordan Morris, Collin Morris and granddaughters in love, Tina, Tammie, and Ashli; great-grandchildren, Owen, Ella, Anna, Aaron, Keane, Dylan, Jules, Evyn and Rowan.

The youngest of five children Billy is preceded in death by brothers Eddie and Herman along with sisters Elsie and Josie.

The family wishes to thank the people from Texas Home Health Hospice and the loving caregivers from Golden Meadows all of whom took excellent care of our daddy, and provided him, as well as us, a soft place to land.  We will be forever grateful.

The funeral service, officiated by Buddy Owens, will take place on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Gateway United Baptist Church, 2401 N. Bell Ave., Denton.  There will be a visitation with family beginning at 1:00 PM at the Church. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.