Joe Mays was born October 13th, 1937, in Huntington, WV. Though born there, he spent his childhood across the Big Sandy River on the Kentucky side in Ashland and Catlettsburg. The oldest son in challenging times, Joe took on the responsibility of caring for his siblings from a young age.

After high school, Joe served in both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, excelling as an Expert Marksman and Armorer. Returning home, he met a young lady from Huntington, Ann, at of all places a roller rink, whose poodle skirt fashion captured his heart. Their first date was at the Bluegrass Drive-In restaurant in Ashland, a spot known for 'cruising' in hot rods and roller-skating waitresses. Love blossomed, leading to their marriage a few weeks after Ann's high school graduation in 1960. They shared 64 wonderful years together until this past month.

In the early years, Joe and Ann traveled across the American West, with Joe working on building Atlas and Minuteman missile silos for contractor RCA. After a few homesick years, they returned to Columbus, where Joe worked for North American Aircraft. By 1963, they bought a post-war ranch in Xenia, with Rhonda on the way. Around that time, Joe joined SRL as an electronics engineer in Beavercreek. Steve was born a few years later.

Joe was a dedicated husband and father, taking his lunch pail to work every day, while Ann made sure dinner was on the table at 5:30. Joe was a Little League coach, Indian Princess and Indian Guide Chief, fixer of everything, avid fisherman/camper, and designer of the Cub Scout Soap Box Derby winner in '72. He proved himself a true hero during the big tornado of 1974, setting up a first aid station in their camper and evacuating the entire neighborhood to the bunker at SRL.  Joe was also actively involved in his community, volunteering as a community board member for the Greene County Parks and Recreation for several years.  He was also a member of the Xenia Rotary Club and Elks Lodge.

After the kids graduated, Joe, Ann, Richard, and Carol Holmes founded Electronic Image Systems Inc. in 1983 in Xenia, becoming world-class in their technical field and touching many lives.  In 1995 they were recognized as "Entrepreneurs of the Year" for the state of Ohio.  EIS made visual systems for flight simulators.  Just prior to selling their business, their small company was producing more projectors for commercial and military flight simulators than all other manufacturers combined.  Right here in Xenia, Ohio.

Later years saw Joe and Ann as world travelers, proud grandparents, and Joe's photography work is displayed in many Xenia businesses. Joe took care of Ann until their final days.

He is survived by children Rhonda and Steve, his sister Margaret, and grandchildren Laura, Joe, and John. A joint celebration of the lives of Joe and Ann will be held at McColaugh Funeral Home on Saturday, November 23rd.  Visitation at 10:30 AM-11:30 AM.  Funeral at 11:30. All well-wishers are encouraged to attend.