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Sammie Mays entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Heritage Healthcare of Ridgeway after an extended illness. He was born on October 7, 1915, in Bowman, South Carolina, to the late William and Emma Fersner Mays.

Sammie married the late Mary Ruth Little Mays and was a lifelong resident of Bowman, where he received his education in the Orangeburg County public schools. He joined Pineville United Methodist Church at an early age. In 1944, he moved to Philadelphia and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving with honor during World War II from June 28, 1944, until November 1, 1945.

Throughout his life, Sammie worked in the sawmill and devoted himself to farming. He took great pride in being a self-employed farmer and an excellent provider for his family. He also spent many years assisting others as they migrated to Florida, always extending a helping hand to those in need.

He was preceded in death by his son, Herman Mays; his daughter, Shirley Ruth Mays Griffin; and his grandson, George Lewis Griffin.

Sammie leaves to cherish his loving memory eight children: Sammie C. Mays Jr. (Geraldine) of Orlando, Florida; Vivian M. Bodrick, Isaac Mays (Regina), and Patricia M. Newton, all of Bowman; Hercules Mays (Margaree) of St. Matthews; Trainnie Cannon (Homer) of Titusville, Florida; Mercile Johnson (James) of Spartanburg; and Alfonzo Mays (Cynthia) of Hoover, Alabama. He also leaves 33 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Rebecca D. Mays of Philadelphia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.