FORT WORTH--Charles D. Mays passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. FUNERAL: 1 p.m. Thursday at University Christian Church. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University Christian Church, Community Hospice of Texas, or a . Charles Dickerson Mays was born March 22, 1922, in San Antonio and moved to Fort Worth in 1924. He acquired the nickname "Charlie D" back in grade school. He graduated from R.L. Paschal High School in 1940. After two years at TCU, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps serving in World War II. After the war, he returned to TCU and graduated in 1947. His first job was with Texas Electric Service Co. In 1949, he married Virginia Ann Jones, a flight attendant with American Airlines. They became members of University Christian Church. In 1949, thanks to his high school classmate, Robert Haltom, Charles started a 60-year sales/executive career with Haltom Jewelers, working in the division that made corporate jewelry and class rings. Over the years, the company operated under the names Haltom Manufacturing, Haltom Recognition, Diamond H and currently Inspirus. He served as president from 1974 to 1985. Business associations included the Sales and Marketing Executives, The 24 Karat Club of Dallas, and the Kiwanis Club. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club in 1955 and again in 1997. Charles was a lifelong fan of TCU athletics and instrumental in planning many TCU reunion events. He was president of the TCU QUINK Club in 2000/2001. Charles was a highly active member of UCC. He served on various committees and also helped with the church's Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. In the late '70s, Charles helped organize the Magnolia Mafia, a group that exercised in the mornings together, then headed to Paris Coffee Shop for breakfast and fellowship. Charles maintained regular attendance until 2005. He is The Godfather. Charles lived a full, blessed life with his beloved wife of 65 years, three sons, three grandchildren, and many wonderful friends. Special thanks to his loving caregivers at Broadway Cityview and Community Hospice. SURVIVORS: Sons, Charles Mays Jr. and partner, Colin Campbell, Billy Mays and wife, Linda, and Bobby Mays and wife, Vivienne; and grandchildren, Courtney Mays, Marshall Mays and wife, Teighlor, and Patricia Mays.

Published in Star-Telegram on Jan. 16, 2018