Eastern Michigan Athletics
Long-Time EMU Track Supporter William Mays Jr. Passes Away
10/25/2018 4:30:00 PM | General
Mays served as EMU's head timer and was a past recipient of EMU's alumni achievement award
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Long-time Eastern Michigan University track and field supporter William Mays Jr. passed away Monday, Oct. 22, at the age of 89. Mays, who graduated from EMU in 1954, served as the head timer at EMU home meets for many years and was instrumental in helping the program gain national prominence. The recipient of the 1970 EMU Alumni Association's Achievement Award, Mays was inducted into EMU's College of Education's Hall of Fame in 2002.
"Bill made a very significant impact on EMU and everyone he came in contact with," said current EMU Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach John Goodridge. "He was a true gentleman truly dedicated to Eastern Michigan University."
Not only a head timer for EMU, Mays was a timer for University of Michigan, including working the NCAA Indoor meet in Detroit for many years.
The first of 10 children born to William and Cora Lee Mays, Mays grew up on the family farm in nearby Milan, Mich. After graduation from Milan High School, he earned degrees from Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan.
Mays' working years were spent as a speech therapist, principal, and assistant superintendent in the Ann Arbor school system. His last position was as the executive director of the Elementary and Middle School Principals Association.
Mays was married to Marilouise Smith-Mays for 62 years and from that marriage two daughters were born, Elisabeth Mays-Kimmel and Adrienne Moutassim. Two granddaughters, Yasmeen and Kamar Moutassim, were born and became the joy of his life. William was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings-Edith Swanson, Clara Mack, Carl Mays, and Edwin Mays.
He is survived by wife, Marilouise, and five siblings-Juanita Richardson, James Mays, Cora Huguely, Mary Kennedy, and Christine Mays-Anderson.
A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd. in Ann Arbor. Reverend Michele Burrell will officiate. Memorial donations would be welcome at the Saline Evangelical Home where William and Marilouise were recipients of their loving care.
"Bill made a very significant impact on EMU and everyone he came in contact with," said current EMU Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach John Goodridge. "He was a true gentleman truly dedicated to Eastern Michigan University."
Not only a head timer for EMU, Mays was a timer for University of Michigan, including working the NCAA Indoor meet in Detroit for many years.
The first of 10 children born to William and Cora Lee Mays, Mays grew up on the family farm in nearby Milan, Mich. After graduation from Milan High School, he earned degrees from Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan.
Mays' working years were spent as a speech therapist, principal, and assistant superintendent in the Ann Arbor school system. His last position was as the executive director of the Elementary and Middle School Principals Association.
Mays was married to Marilouise Smith-Mays for 62 years and from that marriage two daughters were born, Elisabeth Mays-Kimmel and Adrienne Moutassim. Two granddaughters, Yasmeen and Kamar Moutassim, were born and became the joy of his life. William was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings-Edith Swanson, Clara Mack, Carl Mays, and Edwin Mays.
He is survived by wife, Marilouise, and five siblings-Juanita Richardson, James Mays, Cora Huguely, Mary Kennedy, and Christine Mays-Anderson.
A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd. in Ann Arbor. Reverend Michele Burrell will officiate. Memorial donations would be welcome at the Saline Evangelical Home where William and Marilouise were recipients of their loving care.
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