Bobby J. Mayes, age 77, of McKinney, Texas, passed away May 10, 2013, in Bonham, Texas. Bobby was born June 19, 1935, in Henagar, Alabama. He married Mary June Morrison on June 1, 1957, in Ayr, Scotland. Bobby proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, June Mayes of McKinney, Texas; sons, Galvin E. Mayes of Plano, Texas and Russell M. Mayes of Woodbridge, Virginia; daughter, Katie Branham of Wylie, Texas; five grandchildren; and brother, Austell Mayes of Alabama.
Bobby graduated from Ider High School as an All State Alabama football player. He followed his older brothers in joining the military and was the only one of the three to complete a full military career. Bobby’s time in the military saw him serve at Lackland AFB, Texas, RAF Prestwick Scotland, Connally AFB Texas, RAF Lakenheath, U.K., George AFB, California, Nha Trang AFB, Republic of Vietnam, RAF Alconbury, U.K. and finally Blytheville AFB, Arkansas. Although never a pilot, his two sons were both officers and fighter pilots in the U. S. Air Force, a fact of which he was immensely proud. His time in the service allowed him to travel the world and he held this love of flying and adventure all the days of his life. He took great joy in automobiles, especially British roadsters, and was a truly devoted Alabama football fan. His return to civilian life in 1975 brought him ownership of two successful franchises before finally retiring and moving to be near family in Plano in 1997. A gentle giant of a man, he was much beloved by all that knew him for his infectious humor and expansive personality.
A memorial graveside service will be held at 11:15 a.m., on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.