Allen Mays Sr.

Allen Mays Sr., 76, of Anna, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, February 9, 2021 within the comfort of his home. He was born May 4, 1944 in Evansville, Indiana to Ada (Farris) and Grover Mays who precedes him in death. He was the third of six children, Sherman Mays (Kathleen), Beverly Mays, Ginger Mays Newman (James), Grover Mays (Vickie), and Ronnie Mays (Debbie). Beverly and Ginger precedes him in death. He married Sandra Sadler on March 23, 1963, in Anna and she survives. Sandra and Allen were happily married 57 years. He is survived by his children: Allen Mays Jr. (Janean Mays) of Jacksonville, Illinois and Brian Mays of Anna. His daughter Tabitha Mays precedes him in death. His grandchildren include Michaelene Mays, Austin Mays, Luca Mays, Zachary Mays, Lia Mays, Isla Willis, and Elly Mays. He also has many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband and father who always looked out for the well-being of his family. Allen was a devoted Christian and a member of Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna. He taught Sunday school for many years. He served as a Mason at Anna Masonic Lodge 520 and was also a 32nd Degree Mason. He graduated from Anna- Jonesboro High School in 1962. He worked for the State of Illinois for the Secretary of State in Springfield, Illinois. He then worked for Caterpillar in Decatur, Illinois. Following, he completed an apprenticeship to become an iron worker and studied Construction Technology at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. Allen was a member of the Iron Workers Local 782 for several years. He was a classic car enthusiast and owned a 1979 Pontiac Trans-Am Bandit Edition and a 1995 Corvette. Sundays were made for church, family, and NASCAR. He loved attending races and cheering on his favorite driver. They say a man's best friend is his dog and that is certainly true. He loved his dog Dakota dearly. He enjoyed traveling all over the country with his wife and helping his sons with their home projects. He passed on his passion for construction onto his sons. Despite his physical barriers, he always had a desire to work. Allen was the most kindhearted, loving, and hardworking husband, father, and grandfather. The family will host a memorial service to celebrate Allen's life. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Anna Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Darryl Williams and Rev. Scott Harner officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Masonic rites will be said at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Anna Heights Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna Visitation Service Saturday, February 13, 2021,11:00AM-1:00PM Anna Heights Baptist Church 100 Turner Ave Anna, Illinois 62906 Everyone is required to wear face covering and observe social distancing guidelines. Memorial/Funeral Service Saturday, February 13, 2021,1:00PM Anna Heights Baptist Church 100 Turner Ave Anna, Illinois 62906 Everyone is required to wear face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines. Cemetery Service Saturday, February 13, 2021,2:00PM Anna Cemetery West Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Everyone is required to wear face coverings and observe social distance guidelines.