Willie Jefferson Mayes, Jr.

 Obituary

Willie Jefferson Mayes, Jr. was born May 29, 1960, to Willie Lee Thomas (Snowten) and Willie Mayes, Sr. in Bronson, Florida. 

Willie was the eldest son of his seven siblings. He attended Bronson public schools where he played the sport he loved, football, and later went on to earn his certification in welding and worked as a welder for many years. 

He was known for his love of music, the Florida Gators, and his only child, affectionately known as “Keba”. He attended New Sepulcher Church of God in Bronson, Florida where his younger brother, Elder Eddie Mayes, Sr. serves as pastor.

 Willie transitioned on July 24, 2025, surrounded by family. 

He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Thomas, parents, Willie Mayes, Sr. Willie Lee Snowten and Harold Snowten and great-granddaughter, Ariel Dixon. 

Mr. Mayes is survived by:

His only child, Aisha Mayes of Richmond, Virginia, stepmother, Willie Doris Mayes of Gainesville, Florida, siblings, Steve Jackson, Wardell Mayes, both of Gainesville, FL, Curtis Mayes, Eddie Mayes Sr. (Sharon), Anthony Thomas (Natalie), and Sandra Thomas, all of Bronson, FL, uncle, Arthur Thomas (Shirley) of Gainesville, Florida, aunt, Mae Richardson (Sonny) of Gainesville, Florida, Jeanette Mayes of Atlanta, Georgia and, Rochelle Mayes of Shiloh, Georgia, grandchildren: Adrian Dixon, II, Amani Dixon, and Amyris Dixon, all of Gainesville, Florida, great-grandchildren: Adrianna Dixon, and Zuri Sowell, both of Gainesville, Florida and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends