William (Bill) Mays, Jr., age 89, died on Monday, October 22. Born in Detroit, he was the first of ten children born to William and Cora Mays. The family moved to rural Milan, and in 1948 Bill graduated from Milan High School. Bill went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master's Degree from U of M. Bill was a tenacious track & field recruiter for Eastern MI for many years. He loved to watch sports and became a skillful golfer, winning the Ann Arbor City Tournament in 1966. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity spent his professional career as a speech therapist, principal, and assistant superintendent in the Ann Arbor school system. The family moved to Lansing when he accepted the position of Executive Director of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA). William was married to Marilouse Smith for 62 years and in addition to his wife, Bill leaves to mourn two daughters, Elisabeth Mays-Kimmel of Ann Arbor and Adrienne Mays Moutassim the mother of his two granddaughters, Yasmeen and Kamar Moutassim, of Marietta Ga who became the joy of his life. William was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Edith Mays Swanson, Clara Mays Mack, Carl Mays, and Edwin Mays. Survivors include his wife and five siblings: Juanita (Lewis) Richardson, James (Eloise) Mays, Cora (Alfred) Huguely, Mary Kennedy, and Christine Mays-Anderson. He will also be forever missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, October 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd. in Ann Arbor. Donations may be made to BCFI (Building Children and Family Initiatives) in Lansing in his memory.