Richard Mays Obituary

Rich certainly found a church home at St. John's Church, Savannah especially during the last years of his life. Even though his physical presence is still missed, his brass/organ arrangements will remind us of his legacy for many years to come! Steven Branyon, Organist/Choirmaster, St. John's Church, Savannah.

My condolences to Rich's family. I just learned of his passing. He was a good friend throughout my younger years though we hadn't talked in a few years. We were in St Andrews High School Band together and often debated the merits of classical brass players vs jazz brass players. If only I could tell him that I now agree with him! He recorded our(Celia and myself) Community concert (Dillon 1978) for broadcast on SCETV back in the day. He really was a heck of a player and I will miss him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Rich's family. Rich was a fraternity brother of mine at Furman and was, in fact, my very first contact and invitation to the fraternity. I have thought of Rich often over the years and am sorry that our paths have not crossed. He was always a special 'brother' and friend. He will be missed. May God Bless all of those so close to him. Ronnie Jowers

I am so sorry to hear this. I had the pleasure to play for Rich at his beautiful church in Savannah, and enjoyed working with him very much. A very kind and witty man, and a wonderful musician. My condolences to Rich's family.

I'm very sorry to hear this and send my Prayers to the family. I will miss not seeing Rich every spring he became a good friend the past few years and I looked forward to spending time with him, he was a very special person that I will deeply miss.
Rest in Peace my friend.........

I am so sorry to hear about Rich's passing. He and I roomed together during the 2011 Greenville AAM conference. My nicer pants had gotten badly wrinkled in transit, so I got out my iron and pressed them, offering to do his, too, if they needed it. He allowed, and then gave me a Starbucks comp drink ticket. I certainly did not expect that! So I often remember him when I go into Starbucks. He also helped me get acquainted with my new camera. He was a great roommate. That conference was the only time our paths ever crossed, yet I will always remember him fondly. I have attached a picture of him from that conference, and just discovered that his was the very first picture I took with my new camera.

Liz, I am so sorry for your lose. My prayers are with you and the girls.

I am so sorry to hear this news. I played piccolo in the Nashville Symphony and had many conversations with Rich backstage when both of us we not playing a piece.

I knew Rich through the NSO as well as him playing Bass Trombone on many of my recording sessions. He also was my flight instructor. Sorry to hear of his death. May God richly bless his family with many wonderful memories.

RIP Rich and condolences to his family.
Rich and I were pals when his family lived in Savannah during junior high. His passion was Parachutes. He knew all about them and even bought some gear from Army surplus or somewhere.
We recently reunited during the Savannah Philharmonic concerts where he had become a recording wizard. I Will miss him.

I am sorry for your loss. I always appreciated Rich's love of music. He always demanded the best from us when he was our choir director at IPC.
Your brother in Christ,
Mark Dusek

I knew Rich when we both played in the Nashville Symphony. Always enjoyed our conversations and such a quick wit. My condolences.

I met Rich when he moved to Nashville for the NSO job. So impressed by the sound that emerged from his bell, thinking 'There's someone I can play beside, never any doubts about pitch/time/musical intent here.'

He was a faithful friend, a man of many gifts. He took the first posed photos of me and infant son Parker, when the boy was just a few weeks old. They were an afterthought, I was getting a headshot done for a publication. The shots with the baby still on display in the house. His photos of Carol in the recording studio are still my favorites. His photographic work revealed his keen eye and passion for connecting subject to viewer--it really was extraordinary.

He was a faithful friend, even during the those times when a friend was hard to find.

Condolences to Liz and the girls. We'll get to join him, all in good time, where all questions are put to rest and all sorrows healed.

I am so sorry to hear this. I am a member of the Skidaway Island Presbyterian choir, which is why I knew Rich. He was a delight to work with, and I loved hearing him play the organ. As a choral director he was very exacting, demanding and yet encouraging. I am glad I knew him, and expect to see him again.

My sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to Ann & Rich's family.

My sympathies to Rich Mays family. I was fortunate to spend time around Rich first in the mid-70's while at Furman and later in Nashville. Rich had a profound impact on me as a musician. Rest in peace, Rich.

Rest in peace, Rich --- in our all-too-short friendship, I found a wonderful sharing soul and colleague. My prayers to the Mays family: rest assured he touched many many lives in his own way.

For the past 40 plus years, I have had the privilege of knowing Rich Mays. Early in that relationship we became very good friends as fellow trombonist and over these many years I have come to consider him as one of my dearest and closest friends. His intellect, multiple skills, judgment and willingness to share his many blessings with others were always an inspiration. For whatever meager level of musicianship I have managed to attain, I owe much of it to Rich who was very much my mentor in many ways. To his wonderful wife Liz and daughters Sharon and Kathryn, his brother Steve and to his mother Ann, know that the world has been made a better place for Rich having passed through it. My wife and I will forever hold him in a special place in our hearts.

Dear Mays Family,
My memories of Rich go back to the late 1970's when we were house mates for almost two years in Charleston. He was a faithful friend who stayed in touch over the years. The above obituary captures the best of Rich. He was a godly man who put his faith in Jesus Christ for his eternal salvation. I am praying for you all that the "God of all comfort" will continue to give you peace as you walk through this valley. Rich is with the Lord, and those in Christ will see him again and that will be a happy day.

Grace & peace
Bruce Braswell

The Savannah music community is diminished by the loss of Rich Mays. He was a demanding musician and leader but with a great sense of humor. His work as recording engineer will live on as a testament to his work ethic. On a personal level he was a good friend to me, providing me a much-needed employment opportunity. I will always remember him fondly, with thanks for his life and legacy.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rich will be missed by us all. He was one of my best friends through college and I will always consider knowing him and growing with him through those years as a privilege. As a fraternity brother, fellow trombonist, and fellow photographer I feel part of me has now passed on with him to that final resting place. I am grateful to God that Rich was in my early life. May God hold you, Rich Mays, in the palm of his hand for eternity.

I offer my condolences to Rich's family at this difficult time. I also thank God for having given Rich to us, and know there must be something for Rich to do up there for Him. Rest, Rich. We all will miss you, and I, for oen, will Never Forget you.

Liz, may God bring you and the girls comfort and peace during this difficult time. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rich will be missed greatly.

My sympathy goes out to the Mays family.
I have lost a friend and the world has lost a truly gifted person. May he rest in peace, as he now has gone to serve in the courts of our heavenly father.
PEACE,JOY & LOVE
RICHARD S.HALL

Rich will be remembered fondly by all who enjoyed his glorious music. My deepest sympathy to all.

Sincerely,
Carolyn

My Condolences go out to his family. May they find peace and strength during this time. I feel fortunate to have worked with Rich. He will be missed.

Rest Eternal, grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.