William Mays, age 85 of Crossett, Arkansas, died Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Ashley County Medical Center. He was a native of Parkdale but a resident of Crossett most of his life.  He worked for Georgia Pacific Paper Mill for 45 years beginning at Georgia Pacific Plywood Mill then later transferring to the paper mill where he retired in 1995 and was a member of the Westside Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Dorothy Mays; one son, Robert Mays; his parents, Nathaniel and Mammie King-Mays and one grandson, Calvin Marcet Robinson one granddaughter, Christine Dumas and ten brothers and sisters.

Mr. Mays was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed going to church, singing and mowing yards. His enjoyment in life was when he was working.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Betty Lee Jackson-Mays; eight sons, John Dumas of Millington, TN, William Lamont Mays and Andrew Jackson, both of Crossett, AR, Lamar Mays of Kansas, MO, Matthew Dumas of Shawnee, OK, Billy Ray Mays of Kansas City, KS, Leo Mays of Kansas, MO and William Mays Jr. of Kansas City, MO; five daughters, Amelia Prescott (Wayne) of Millington, TN, Jamie Mays-Russel (Anthony) of Millington, TN, Maggie Evans (Marcus) of Las Vegas, NV, Virginia Edwards of Kansas City, MO and Veronica Moore of Strong, AR; one brother, Ezelle Mays of Crossett, AR and one sister, Marie Travis of Chicago, IL.

Funeral services are at 3:00pm Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Westside Church of Christ in Crossett with Bro. Joe Hardin officiating.  Pallbearers are Kevin Simpson, Andre Elliott, Marcus Evans, Anthony Russell, Billy Mays, Jr. and Matthew Dumas.  Viewing will be from 1-5PM on Friday at Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.