Mayhew, Sr. Giles E.

Giles E. Mayhew, Sr. age 83 died peacefully in his home in Church Road on Monday, August 21, 2006. He had been in failing health for several years but had declined rapidly since the death of his beloved wife of 63 years, Adell, in September, 2003. Although he was born in Pittsylvania County, he had resided in Dinwiddie County most of his life. He was the son of the late Robert Lee, Sr. and Fannie Davis Mayhew. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael C. Mayhew, his brother, Robert Lee Mayhew, Jr. and a grandson, David Blake Mayhew. The self-proclaimed “Mayor of Church Road” was a well known and respected figure in the tri-Cities area. He served in the U.S. Army, 869th Ordinance Heavy Automotive Maintenance Company (HAM) during World War II. Upon discharge, he returned home where he worked for VDOT for a short period of time before turning his favorite pastime of automotive repair into a fulltime career. He ran a busy auto repair, full-service filling station for over 40 years. Through the years he had several assistants to aid him in his business but when his favorite “ transmission man”, the late Charles Fells, retired due to failing health the “Mayor” decided to give it up, also. Always a part-time farmer on a small scale he and his wife went into the pick-your-own vegetable business. As with the auto repair business this was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships. Giles was always a “people” person. During this time he started a woodworking shop. As with the other jobs, he had no prior training: if it was something you wanted to do, you learned how to do it. When his failing health caused him to leave his beloved wood shop he had hand-crafted 115 beautiful Grandfather clocks which can be found in homes all over the state. Giles was a talented musician and entertainer. He played the banjo, guitar and sang. He performed many years in the old Minstrel shows and as a member of the Church Road Gospel Group, he played many churches, nursing homes and other venues around the area. He will always be remembered for his rendition of Ray Stevens’ “The day the squirrel got loose in The First Self-Righteous Church”. He was a life-long member of Central Baptist Church. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara M. Wilson (Bob) of Dinwiddie County; two sons, Giles E. “Eddie” Mayhew, Jr. (Linda) of Vinton and Tony L. Mayhew (Margaret) of Bedford; seven grandchildren, Cathy L. Wilson, Kimberly W. Jones, Richard D. Wilson, Kari M. Taylor, Lisa C. Mayhew, Michael Mayhew and Adam Mayhew; 11 great-grandchildren, Tyler Wilson, Jordan Thomas, Logan, Cory and Michael Jones, Matthew, Brandon and Ricky Wilson, Jessica and Marc Emory and Erin Taylor; one great-great- grandchild, Kaleb Jones; two sisters, Mary Moody (Garland) of Sutherland and Pauline Bryant (Joe) of Church Road; sister-in-law, Katherine Mayhew of NC as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his good friend and caregiver, William C. Jolly. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. Tuesday, Aug. 22 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service where funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Interment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Crater Community Hospice, 840 W. Roslyn Rd., Suite E, Colonial Heights 23834 or Central Baptist Church, 6405 Courthouse Rd., Church Road 23833. Online condolences may be registered @www.jtmorriss.com.