Emory Harold Mays

North Augusta, SC…… Mr. Emory Harold Mays, 91, husband of Audy P. Mays, entered into rest on Friday, December 29, 2017 at his residence.

Mr. Mays was a veteran of the United States Navy having served as a pilot. His love of flying continued long after his service to his country. He was the owner and operator of the Thomson Airport for many years where countless people learned to fly and share Harold’s love for aviation. In addition to flying, auto racing was a favorite pastime for him. He raced at many places across the southeast to include the old Augusta International Raceway. When his service in the Navy was complete, Harold began his career as an auto mechanic. He took his knowledge of automobiles and opened his first business, Rex Auto Parts in Augusta. After some time, he donated the business to a few of his dedicated employees and began his new venture, Mays International Trucks, where he remained until his retirement. Harold was very community minded and constantly strived to better his community. He was very active in the Columbia County Republican Party and served for a time as its Chairman. Harold was also a generous philanthropist, often giving behind the scenes so that his gifts could remain anonymous. He helped many people across the years but never spoke of it. He, along with Doug Hastings, began a campaign to take World War II Veteran’s to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. This effort grew and has now spanned three decades and continues to take Veterans to visit the service memorials.

Additional survivors include his sons, Donald Mays (Fabiolla), Judge C.A. Wood (Gwen) and Timothy Ray Wood; a daughter Robbie Gilmore (Pete); a sister, Hope Arnold; grandchildren, Natalie Gilmore, Camilla Mays, Brooke Mays, Sara Mays and Christopher Wood; one great grandchild, Eliza Wood.

His memorial service will be held in the Rowland-Ford Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:00 PM. 

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