Milton (Sonny) Mays

Milton (Sonny) Louis Mays, 76, of New Philadelphia, formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, June 22, 2018. He was born in East Liverpool on August 27, 1941 to the late Elda R. and Erma M. (Founds) Mays.

He was a loving, faithful husband for 56 years. As a devoted and proud father, he raised his children with high values, involved them in the church, taught them to work hard in school, and modeled to his children respect for others. He instilled strong Christian values in his children by word and deed; and took every opportunity to share all their accomplishments.

For over 60 years, Milton was a faithful servant of God, who used his love of the Lord to be a dedicated Soldier in The Salvation Army and willingly shared his testimony. He rang the bell at Christmas time, participated in open air ceremonies, and volunteered in many other ways.
Milton enjoyed visiting family and friends and helping others. He liked drawing, building and working with his hands. He was a graduate of East Liverpool High School and received a bachelor degree from Kent State University.

He is survived by his wife, Martha (Skinner) Mays; his children: Martha Mays of New Philadelphia, Ohio; Mary (Dave Lett) Mays of Stow, Ohio; Miriam (Dave Smith) Mays of Hudson, Ohio; Milton Mays of Elberfeld, Indiana; Michael (Tami) Mays of Massillon, Ohio; Michel (Wayne) Short of Dover, Ohio; Maelene (Thomas) Rodriguez of Navarre, Ohio; Milsah (Darren) Bolen of Marietta, Ohio; and Manda Mays of Dover, Ohio; his grandchildren: Alexis Polce; Mandy Wagner; Ryan (Jane) Mays, Christopher, Matthew and Logan Mays; Benjamin and Noah Mays; Joshua (Jennifer) Short; Nathan (Jenn) Short; Rachel and Daniel Short; Caleb Mays; Isabella, Dominic and Sophia Rodriguez; Dallas and Devon Bolen and Ian Heter; his great-grandchildren: Selina, Finn, Christian, Rylee and Kohlson;
His siblings: a twin sister, Mildred (Honey) Gilbert; a brother Roderick (Violet); a sister-in-law, Mary Mays; numerous nieces and nephews; and additional family members: Michael Polce and Terri Adler Mays.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Matthew; grandson, Andrew Mays; and siblings, Edna Burles, Richard, Dorothy Sault, Eileen Touvelle, Robert, Ralph, Kenneth, Ruth Ann Duke, Elizabeth Fan Boord, Pauline, Aleta Marie Stanley, and Maggie.

Memorial service (6 PM) and calling hours (4-6 PM) will be held Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at The Salvation Army, 809 Emmet Ave. N.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio.