Sherman Lee Mays

Sherman Lee Mays, age 85 of Mt. Pleasant, died suddenly Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He was born November 15, 1938 in Anna, the son of Grover Marcellis and Ada Kathryn (Farris) Mays.

Sherman is survived by his two daughters, Sandra Kay Pickel (Terry Lessen) of Dongola, Deborah Lee (Rusty) Cunningham of Evansville, IN; son, Ronald Wayne Mays of Mt. Pleasant; six grandchildren, Dan Osman, Sarah (Sam) Wellmeier, Jason (Jessica) Pickel, Justin Lee (Jamie) Pickel, Andrea Walker and Ryan (Tara) Mays; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Grover Sr. (Vicki) Mays of Dongola, Ronnie (Debbie) Mays of Anna; sister-in-law, Sandra Mays of Jacksonville; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Sherman Lee Mays Jr; and siblings, Beverly Mays, Ginger Newman, and Allen Mays.

Sherman honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a fifty-year member of the Anna Masonic Lodge and a member of the Anna-Jonesboro Elks Lodge #1641. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and spending time with his grandchildren. He worked early on as an Ironworker and later retired from Choate Mental Health as an engineer at the Power Plant.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. Randy Wright officiating. Interment will be in the McGinnis Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honor Team of Marion. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Masonic rites will be said at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.