Danny Ray Mays
1954 ~ 2024
Date of Death: October 3, 2024
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Mays Family. Danny Ray's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Danny Ray Mays.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
It was a summer’s day on June 7, 1954, when Warner and Willie Mae (Smith) Mays welcomed their final baby boy. Anxiously awaiting his arrival were his great-grandmother Ida Hughes, grandmother Fannie Lee Smith and older siblings, John W., Ida Mae, Callie Mae, Johnnie B., Katherine, Pearlie, Fannie Warner Jr. Danny was the baby for eleven years, before the real baby of the family Bridgetta or Bebe, as he always called her, made her appearance. Danny Ray was a true Momma’s boy until Willie Mae shared him with Katrina (Solley) Mays. Even when Trina entered his life, it depended on the day and his demeanor on which of the above-mentioned family members were going to be his Rider for the specific situation. He was a true Gemini, as we all knew. He could be smiling or fussing in the blink of an eye.
He attended Washington Elementary School, Kimmons Junior High School, and Northside High School with his brother Jr and many of his cousins who were more like brothers and sisters. In 1972, he enlisted in the US Navy, as did many of his childhood friends at the advice of his big brother, Joe. His Navy adventure did not last as long as some others, but he was a proud American and always exercised his second amendment right to bear arms.
Danny Ray always shared his life’s journey with anyone who had a listening ear. Part of that story was the fact that he was married to three amazing women. Carla Gilyard Mays blessed him with his first-born son, Vincent Edwin Mays. Patricia McGill Mays then blessed him with Justin Dewayne Mays, who he affectionately nicknamed Buck. Last but not least was the princess herself, Chelsea Michelle Mays with whom he shared with the love of his life, Katrina. Danny and Katrina were married on July 7, 1995, but celebrated almost 40 years of solidarity. Danny was a life-long member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Danny loved God and was proud of the family God had given him. While he certainly loved his wife and children and other family, none did he love more than “his babies” He loved being Papa to Jushaun, Lauryn, Jordyn, Mia, and Ashton. Papa was their real-life superhero. He was attentive, was not afraid to share his past triumphs but also disclosed his failures. He would call them randomly, preach about God’s goodness and snap them back into reality when he felt they were headed in the wrong direction. Danny’s love was pure, his kisses were many, and his dedication was unfathomable.
When he met Trina he inherited another huge piece of his life, his second family which included father-in-law Harold Solley (deceased) and Dorotha Solley or “Mom” to him. He gained another brother Keith (Jeanie) Solley, sister in laws, Sherrie (Mark) Meyers, Diane Bynum, Lisa (Larry) Jessen and Tamara (Joe) Williams with whom his loved to share parties at “Mimi’s and weekends at Tenkiller.
During his final years on his earthly highway, he spent every Saturday with his breakfast buddies, John “Groundwire” Lumpkin, Larry Jones, Mitch Sykes, Dan Frezell, Mark Harmon, and Chris Mayser. After breakfast, off to the Harley shop they rode where Kimmy, Krystal, Jeremy, and the rest of the crew would be waiting to swap stories and share laughter. Without a doubt his Harley family was the week’s highlight. Saturday will forever be Danny’ s day!!! His Grand Canyon vacation was the ultimate expedition. Shawn and the rest of the guys made sure he did not miss a moment, even challenging himself to conquer his fear of heights.
While October 3rd, 2024, may have been his final earthly ride, we can only imagine that Heaven opened the pearly gates where his parents, grandparents and siblings, JW, Ida, Joe, Kat, and Jr were waiting with open arms.
Danny left behind to celebrate his life wife, Katrina, sons, Vincent and Justin, daughter Chelsea, grandsons, Jushaun Mays and Ashton Roberson, granddaughters, Lauryn Mays, Jordyn Mays, and Mia Tucker. Mother-in-Law Dorotha Solley, sisters Callie Mae, Pearlie Elam, Fannie (Robert) Booker and Bridgetta (Mark) Shepherd. His brother and sisters-in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, associates, and his entire Harley family.
Danny’s favorite motto was “Live to Ride and Ride to Live.” He was a real rider, and we can only hope that he is riding the streets of gold, admiring Heaven’s glorious sights and sounds, blasting the angelic choir, smiling, and laughing at every rest stop along the way.
Walk through viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, October 11, 2024, from 9:00am to 7:00pm. The immediate family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Rowell-Parish Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, 11:00am at St. James Missionary Baptist Church 4916 High St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Committal service and final resting place will be held Monday, October 14, 2024, 8:00am Fort Smith National Cemetery 522 Garland Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
