Dennis Mays, 65, died peacefully at home Wednesday, February 21, 2018, surrounded by his family and friends. He was a devoted, dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was affectionately known as “Buck” to his grandchildren.
He was born February 5, 1953 in Fort Lee, Virginia, the only son of the late Charles Glenn and Mary Lee Mays. He spent over thirty years in law enforcement. He held many titles throughout his career and obtained a law degree from the University of Memphis. He ultimately retired as Commander, legal advisor, helicopter pilot and certified flight instructor. He also served as a Special Agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Throughout his career, he trained law enforcement in West Tennessee. Dennis was an Army veteran serving in Vietnam as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, also serving as an instructor at West Point. Dennis was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He loved God, his family, and his friends.
He is survived by his wife Amy Hollowell Mays of Jackson, TN, two sons, Ben Canovan (Brooke), of Huntingdon, TN, Bradley Glenn Mays of Woodstock, GA, one daughter, Nicole Harrison (Heath) of Dallas, GA, four sisters, Karen Akers, of Henderson, KY, Peggy Creasy (Kevin) of Jackson, TN, Maxine Edwards (Wil), of Nashville, TN, Christine Pruitt of Chattanooga, TN, Four grandchildren, Ava Ryan Canovan, Aaron Harrison, Taylor Lynn Canovan and Rylan Grace Canovan. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Doris Hollowell and brother-in-law Mark Hollowell.
SERVICES: Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 25, at 2:00PM in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. The family will be receiving friends Saturday afternoon from 3:00PM until 5:00PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Browns Cemetery with full Police Honors.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be directed to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 119 Oil Well Rd, Jackson, TN 38305.
Arrington Funeral Drectors,148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305. 731.668.1111.
www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com