Benjamin William Mayo, 79, died August 28, 2014, at CRHS Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. He was born on July 24, 1935, in Stewart County Georgia to the late Earl A. Mayo and Nona Bush Mayo.
Mr. Mayo was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. He served for eight years.
Bill's early education started at the old Richland Elementary School and Richland High School in 1953. He graduated from Mercer University in 1957 and was a member of the school chorus.
For several years he taught high school, science and math, while serving as Coach of the basketball team and track. Mr. Mayo later earned a Masters of Administration in Education from the University of Georgia, State University. He also holds a Doctor of Laws Degree from the Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer, graduating in 1966.
Bill was the Principal of the Richland Elementary School. He became Superintendent of Stewart County Schools in 1976, beginning his term of office in January of 1977. He was elected to five terms before retiring.
He was honored to serve as chairman of the Library Board and Chairman of the Board of Health. He served on the Richland City Council and the Stewart County Board of Commissioners. While Bill served as Superintendent, all new schools were built in Stewart County.
Bill grew up on a small farm near Richland. He was in the cattle business his whole life. He was recognized for winning two weight gaining contests in his breeding Charolais.
Bill was preceded in death by both his parents, his wife Marie Lunsford Mayo, one son, Ben Mayo, one brother, Dr. Earl Mayo and two sisters, Betty Holland and Frances Chalkley.
He is survived by one son, Tom Mayo of Richland, Georgia; two daughters, Anna Laura (David) Barrett of Richland, Georgia and Julie (Steve) Smith of Bonaire, Georgia; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one sister, Mary (Len) Francis of Richmond, Virginia.
The family received visitors at Baldwin Funeral Home on Sunday evening, August 31, 2014, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The church service was held on Monday, September 1, 2014, at 11:00 AM, at Richland United Methodist Church in Richland, Georgia, with the Reverends' Stan Bellew, Robert Orr and Jim Eubanks officiating. Brenda Moore provided piano music and Kay Snipes sang at the service. Mr. Bill was buried in Harmony Cemetery in Richland, Georgia.
Pallbearers: Ronnie Burgamy, Chris Dudley, Jr., Ike Newberry
Honorary Pallbearers: Lawrence Williams, Larry Jones
In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made to the Richland United Methodist Church, in care of Baldwin Funeral Home.
Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Visit the online guest book on the Baldwin Funeral Home web site at www.baldwinfuneralhome.com.
Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Charles Overby Dr., P. O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825 229-887-2750