Mitchell Rutherford Mays, Jr.

Obituary of Mitchell Rutherford Mays, Jr.

Mitchell died on June 16, 2022.

He was the only child and son born to Mitchell Rutherford Mays, Sr. and Margaret Paul Mays on October 23, 1930, in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathryn Cummins Mays.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Mays Rechner (Joe), Mitchell R. Mays III (Jeni), John Fenner Mays (Lorraine), Kathryn Paul Mays, and grandchildren, Taylor Rechner, Meg Rechner, Mitchell “Cort” R. Mays IV, Robert Mays, Henry Story, Morgan Pinelli and Taylor Timper.

Also surviving are sister-in-law Polly Cummins and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Susan and Robert Tuke of Nashville, Tennessee. Also, numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Mitchell graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1952 with a degree in Civil Engineering and was commissioned Second Lieutenant (Infantry) upon graduating. He was assigned to the Sixth Division, Fort Ord, California where he was an Instructor in Tactics.

He began his Civilian career with E.I. du Pont de Nemours at their cellophane plant in Old Hickory, Tennessee. He met the love of his life, Kathryn Cummins, in Nashville. They married and had the first two of their four children. In 1960 Mitchell moved his family to Lynchburg from Nashville to begin working as a Sales Engineer with Montague Betts Company. When the company closed in 1992, he spent the next seven years as a Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager for Queensboro Steel Corporation.

After retiring from Queensboro Steel, Mitchell became involved in the restoration of the Academy of Music in Lynchburg. He served as President during the merger of the Fine Arts Center and the Academy of Music. He then served on the Board of the Academy of Fine Arts. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years and served as a Deacon, Elder and as a Sunday School Teacher.

The family will hold a private service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to First Presbyterian Church, the Academy of Fine Arts, Meals on Wheels, or the Free Clinic of Central Virginia.

A special thanks to Kate Mays for being Mitchell’s provider.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.