Herbert “Herbie” Ernest Mays, Jr.

Date of Death: September 30, 2026

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service

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Friday 10/9, 6:00 pm

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made toward funeral expenses to
Diana Louise Mays
180 Ruebuck Road
Clear Brook, VA 22624

Herbert Ernest “Herbie” Mays Jr., 78, of Clear Brook, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Herbie was born on August 20, 1948, in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Herbert Ernest Mays Sr. and Josephine Rose (Sparks) Gardener. He was a graduate of Loudoun County High School, Class of 1968. Herbie proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seaman Apprentice (SA–E2) during the Vietnam War.

A hard worker throughout his life, Herbie was the owner and operator of Mays Lawn Care, providing residential and commercial services until his retirement. He also delivered papers for The Winchester Star in Clarke County for over 20 years.

On July 10, 1971, Herbie married the love of his life, Diana Louise Edwards, in Sterling, Virginia. Together, they built a life centered around family and shared passions. Herbie had a deep love for antique trucks and cherished attending car shows. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending time on the water boating once owning his own boat and camping with his beloved children and grandchildren.

Surviving with his wife of 55 years, Diana, are his children, Christopher A. Mays Sr, and Melissa A. Polendey (Robert); his brother, David Jonathan Gardner (Suzanne); ten grandchildren, Tiffany Mays, Christopher Mays Jr. (Amber), Zachary Tenneyson, Zoey Tenneyson, Tyler Tenneyson, Kimberly Abrams, Britney Mays, Christina Abrams, Justin Mays, and Kyla Abrams Trakney (Zachary); and his many loving great-grandchildren.

A service to celebrate Herbie’s life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made toward funeral expenses to Diana Louise Mays, 180 Ruebuck Road, Clear Brook, VA 22624.

Mark & Carrie Crank and family

Risa Decatur

Linda and James Rives

Christopher A mays

Syd Tiffany

Kyla Abrams

Zackary Trakney

Melissa Polendey

Kimberly allison

Robert Polendey

Light a candle

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Friday 10/9, 6:00 pm

Memorial contributions may be made toward funeral expenses to
Diana Louise Mays
180 Ruebuck Road
Clear Brook, VA 22624

Herbert Ernest “Herbie” Mays Jr., 78, of Clear Brook, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Herbie was born on August 20, 1948, in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Herbert Ernest Mays Sr. and Josephine Rose (Sparks) Gardener. He was a graduate of Loudoun County High School,Continue Reading

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I am so sad to read Mr. Mays passing. He would stop by the Garden Center in Bunker Hill and talk shop often. We will surely miss him. Praying for his wife and family.

Dad, Today is the day you are laid to rest. We like to thank you for all you did. We will miss you but we know you are watching over us. Rest in peace and we all LOVE YOU.

Condolences and love to to the family

So sorry to hear of Herbie's passing. Lifting you all up in prayer. May God bless his soul and give you the strength needed at this difficult time.

Papa.. I will forever hold my favorite memories close to my heart, along with my first cassette tape from you with a song that will hold a different meaning now. Letter to Heaven by Dolly Parton. I think some of my favorites will be the house you trusted us to help you build. This house brought so many people together and made so many memories before it was even a home, and it was all because my Papa knew how to make anything happen. I think I'll buy the newspaper from time to time just smell a familiar smell at 4 am on summer break when I am missing you most. I am so thankful for last year of being able to spend even the smallest moments together. You met the love of my life who couldn't help but think highly of you, and was so thankful for the moments he was able to send with you. You two had so much in common, which is why he felt so comfortable to me from day one. I love you endlessly, and I will miss you so much. Love, your Buckwheat

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

In memory of Herbert “Herbie” Ernest Mays, Jr., Linda and James Rives lit a candle

In memory of Herbert “Herbie” Ernest Mays, Jr., Christopher A mays lit a candle

In memory of Herbert “Herbie” Ernest Mays, Jr., Syd Tiffany lit a candle

Dear papa , as I sit down with you in your last 2 weeks I told you I appreciate everything you have done for me and what you have shown me as things my dad should have shown me . But I had you to show me and I told you I appreciated everything you showed me and words won’t ever be enough for me to say to tell you what you did and shown me , from the long car rides during and after mow jobs and the talks on how life is and what’s going on in the world . And he always told me to make sure everything was completely thought through so I knew I was making the right decision in life . Never to go the extra mile if it wasn’t needed to be .and I will never forget the tape recorder with the little baby bumble bee . And the tapes for in the wooden panel van of Jonny cash , And the Star Wars , movies on repeat . waking up in the middle of the night to do news papers in the crack of dawn . while you were building the house you were making , I always had cut knees from tripping on pavement and the lines and helping mix pavement was fun to . all of these are memories I have and will always be grateful for everything And nana I wish you peace and love with all my heart and the strength to help you through your journey . To my mother (Melissa ) , I wish you peace love and grace and strength Threw your journey Love your granddaughter Kyla

Papa an amazing man and so filled with knowledge that he loved to pass on to others. In my time knowing him I learned so much that I will take through my life and pass onto my own children. PaPa you were one heck of a man and I want to say thank you for everything

Dad, you left so quick. The short time we had to sit with each other I will cherish forever. I am glad that we were able to tell you everything we wanted you to know. One’s that stand out is you were a great husband and father. You loved all your grandkids. Teaching the grandkids how to change oil, change a tire and life skills they will keep forever. Making sure someone would be here to take care of mom after you left and showing us the how to do certain things around the house. Making sure we still take the trucks to the truck shows for you. We will honor all of your wishes. Rest high dad and know where you are is beautiful and green. I love you very much. Don’t forget I’ll talk to you often and I hope you come to listen. See you again, dad and drink a beer for me.

I love you papa …. You’re such a big part of my life and this family will never forget you ….. we love you with all our heart <3

You will be missed. We love you. Rest in peace

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.