Steven Mays
January 6, 1957 — December 4, 2020
Dr. Steven Welch Mays
Born in Paris, TN on January 6, 1957
Departed on December 4, 2020 and resided in Hendersonville, TN
Funeral Service: Hendersonville First Baptist Church Monday December 7, 2020 12:00pmDr. Steven Welch Mays, age 63, of Hendersonville, TN, passed away unexpectedly in his home on December 4, 2020. Dr. Mays was born January 6, 1957. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Nan Keller Mays; his two sons, Steven Keller Mays (Staci Mays) and Charles Rainer Mays (Ariel Mays); his granddaughter, Jesse Keller Mays; his mother, Genease Bobbitt Huff; sister, Denise Conwell (Bill Conwell); nephew, Brockton Conwell; his mother-in-law, Betty Bouler Keller and his sister-in-law, Cynthia Haugen (Robert Haugen). He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Mays.
Steve was born in Paris, Tennessee and grew up in Martin, Tennessee where he was a three-sport letterman at Westview High School. He graduated cumme laude at University of Tennessee Martin and with high honors at University of Tennessee Dental School. He completed his dental residency, while he served in the United States Air Force. In 1986, the Mays moved to middle Tennessee, where Steve joined the dental practice of Dr. James Patterson. The two had great comradery and respect for each other. When Dr. Patterson retired, the practice became Mays Dentistry. Dr. Mays leaves behind a devoted staff, many of whom have worked with him for more than 30 years.
He was a member of Gallatin Noon Rotary Club. Steve served on the Salvus Board. Steve and his family are members of Hendersonville First Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School. Previously, the Mays were longtime members of Gallatin First Baptist Church, where Steve was Deacon Chairman. The Mays treasure close family friends in both Gallatin and Hendersonville, in both congregations, and at Pope John Paul II High School where both sons graduated.
Steve was an avid cyclist, whose most recent road trip to Tellico Plains involved over 100 miles. A lifelong golfer, he played regularly with friends at Tennessee Grasslands. With groups of close friends, he also enjoyed weekly Friday night movie nights and the Chip and Dip Club, of which he was a self-proclaimed founding member. During recent months, he has enjoyed relaxing with Nan on his new porch. The hallmark of Steve's life was his steadfast relationship with Jesus. He was a joyful and humble person whose presence will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a faithful friend who sought to care for others with kindness, a man who loved his family with his whole heart. To God be the Glory.
Funeral service will be at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, officiated by Pastor Jess Rainer. The service will be held at 12:00 pm Monday December 7th, 2020 at 106 Bluegrass Commons Boulevard Hendersonville, TN 37075. There will be no visitation prior to nor following the service. Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. James Brannen, Brockton Conwell, Dr. Anthony Dallas, Mark Deffendall, Jeff Hulsey, Dave Krebs and David London.
1 Peter 3:22 Jesus Christ "has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand-with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
Psalm 27:4 "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the lord and to seek him in his temple."
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Hendersonville Children's Department, 106 Bluegrass Commons Boulevard, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com. (615) 502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555
56 Comments Rebecca Carter December 5, 2020 at 10:32 pmMy heart has broken for Nan amd the kids. I am so sorry
Carolyn Brown December 5, 2020 at 11:56 pmLoved Dr Mays.
He was a Great Dentist and also a good person.
He will be greatly missed…I just saw him
5 weeks ago.
My deepest condolences for your family's loss. I have been a patient of Dr. Mays since I was a child and regularly saw him for more than 30 years. I hope your family can find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Prayers to all of you.
Terri Herrod Wilson December 6, 2020 at 1:15 amDr. Mays was an excellent Dentist who was highly respected in the dental community. He will be missed ߘ¢
Pam Williams December 6, 2020 at 1:31 amAt a loss for words now…. just know you are in our thoughts and prayers…. we love you…. Pam & Larry Williams
Steven Brown January 25, 2021 at 10:21 pmI received the letter today and learned of Dr May’s passing. I am so sorry. I saw him as my dentist for well over 20 years. Prayers for his family…
Krystal Spiess December 6, 2020 at 2:44 amHeartbreaking to hear about this. Sending the family love and prayers! -Spiess family
Ginger Stamps December 6, 2020 at 4:37 amDr. Mays was not only a wonderful dentist but was always so kind and greeted me with a smile and a kind word on every visit. The family and all of his very kind staff are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed.
Deborah Simonton December 6, 2020 at 6:40 am
So very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We were classmates in Martin. May the Lord wrap you in His arms and give you all comfort. His memories will bring sweetness to your lives until your reunited in Heaven.
Debe Daniels Simonton
I'm so sorry about Steve's untimely passing. I've known Steve for many years through First Baptist Hendersonville, Always with a smile!
We extend our sympathy to you. Praying Gods precious comfort and peace for each of you as well.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Nan and family so sorry for your loss
Kim Walker December 6, 2020 at 1:17 pmPrayers for the family and friends as we know dr Mays is with GOD.
He will be missed by many for his expertise in dentistry, his humor, and his love of family, friends and life.
May GOD bless,
Vicki Mount December 6, 2020 at 2:00 pmSo very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He and I were classmates at Westview High School. Prayers for has family and comfort in the coming days. God Bless and be with you all in this time of mourning.
Don Lamb December 6, 2020 at 2:07 pmOur prayers are with your family. Don and Carolyn Lamb
Hack and Sue Gilliam December 6, 2020 at 4:28 pmYou have our sincere condolences. The best thing about Steve is we will see him again in Heaven
Jeff & Lori Bradley December 6, 2020 at 4:30 pmPrayers for the family during this time . He has left this world full of troubling times to be in a better place with our loving God
Ted Hill December 6, 2020 at 5:27 pmNan and family, I want to offer my sincere condolences for your loss of Steve. I could not believe the news; my heart was broken to hear of his passing and I know you all must be devastated. Not only was Steve my dentist since my coming to Gallatin 42 years ago, he was a man of heart and concern for others. When Salvus was started, he was one of the first I contacted for his help with dental patients and he was always willing to help and I know he spent countless hours trying to make a dental clinic a reality for Salvus. He also was so faithful to support Salvus with his attending board meetings and functions to support the ministry, there will be a huge empty place without him being there. I pray for peace for you and may your memories become sweeter and more precious as time passes. He is one I will look forward to seeing again at God’s final consummation, Lord willing where we will all rejoice together of God’s goodness to us and for me particularly, knowing Steve Mays.
Kenneth and Sharon Finn December 6, 2020 at 7:51 pmTo the family and to the staff at the office Ken and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you at this time we pray that the God of all comfort will wrapped his loving arms around you at this time and the days that is before you.
Phil Cooley December 6, 2020 at 7:55 pmNan, Susan and I were so saddened to hear the news about Steve. Our prayers are with you and your family. May you feel the gracious love of God and the support of friends surrounding you through this difficult time. Phil Cooley
Sissy Pounders December 6, 2020 at 8:05 pmWe send our deepest sympathy to Nan and her boys and families. We pray for strength and peace for them. Much love, Jack and Sissy
Martha Boone December 6, 2020 at 8:24 pmPrayers for Nan and the family…
Andrew Downes December 6, 2020 at 10:11 pmNan and family, I was devastated to hear the news about Steve. I’m so sorry and I am grieving with you all. Two memories come immediately to mind when thinking about him. First, after a night of babysitting Keller and Rainer, he drove me home and told me how appreciative he was that I was able to watch the boys and he hoped that I would find someone as trustworthy to watch my kids one day. That compliment has always stuck with me. Also, along with many who knew him, he was my dentist, even after I moved from Gallatin. I fell into the category of patients that only flossed the day before the appointment and I also neglected to ever wear my retainer after braces. These facts were not lost on him but he would never shame me, rather he would laugh and simply say, “they are your teeth, bud. You’re the one who has to live with them.” He was kind, he was generous, he was a great man. I’m a better person having known him. I’m so sorry. Love to you all. Andy Downes
Lynn Craig Craig December 6, 2020 at 10:43 pmHe will be missed so much. I was with him on Thursday and he was so kind. Prayers for his family and his work staff.
Robin King December 6, 2020 at 11:01 pmDr. Mays was an awesome man of God. He will be sorely missed
Christopher Downes December 6, 2020 at 11:44 pmI am so sorry to hear about Steve! He was such a wonderful man and a fantastic dentist. Maybe that’s why he was always smiling.
I have a very fond memory of a particular dental appointment I had with him. While he was looking at my teeth, he was telling me about how much he liked Steve Martin’s dentist song in Little Shop of Horrors. (Knowing me, I probably brought the subject up.) Then he started HUMMING THE TUNE WHILE CHECKING MY TEETH!! With any other dentist, I would’ve probably been absolutely terrified, but with Steve, I felt even more comfortable. Only Steve could use a song about a sadistic dentist to calm a patient down. That just goes to show how well he knew his patients!
My heart goes out to all the family. This world was a better place for having him in it. He will be missed so much.
-Christopher Downes
Bob L Haley December 7, 2020 at 12:19 amHe was a good and honest man.
Shannon Reade December 7, 2020 at 12:27 am
Nan, Wes and are are sorry about Steve. So many memories have come flooding back from our early years in Gallatin. It's because of you and Steve that we found First Baptist Gallatin and our first home on Belvedere. Such precious memories. There are no words.
Much love to you, Keller and Rainer.
Wes and Shannon
Steve and I were classmates at Westview. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Praying for his family and all who knew Steve. RIP
Molly Williams December 7, 2020 at 1:52 amNan love you! Steve was always so nice and such a Godly man. . You and the boys are in my prayers! Take care of yourself!
Janis McKinney December 7, 2020 at 2:06 amOh Nan, I’m so sorry! I know he is with the Lord, but I know your heart is broken, Praying for you!
Nancy Hutton December 7, 2020 at 4:20 amHe was super nice! I am so sorry for his family, staff and all.of us that cannot call him our dentist anymore. Praying for the family.
Jim Ford December 7, 2020 at 2:46 pmSo sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful person, always had a smile on his face. He will truly be missed.
Wert Campbell December 7, 2020 at 4:51 pmWert Campbell Steve was not only my Dentist but also my friend. In 1993 my wife and I were scheduled to go to Germany as volunteer missionaries. I went to see Steve to get my teeth checked before leaving. After he finished checking my teeth he said: “Wert come back to my office with me.” We entered, he shut the door and then said:”I just wanted to pray for you and Theta before you leave.” That was one of the greatest blessings of my life and it continues to bless me every time I think about it. Steve was not only a good dentist, he was the hands of Jesus to those he met along the way. Our world is a better place because of Steve’s life.Nan, we hurt for you and the children and we will continue praying for God’s grace and comfort.
Renee Wood December 7, 2020 at 6:16 pmI loved Dr Mays. I am holding his wfe, his mother, his kids, family, and loved ones in prayer. May Sweet Holy Spirit wrap you in love, comfort, and peace. And may you feel Steve’s love surrounding you always.
Fredia and Allen Crowe and family December 7, 2020 at 10:17 pmNan , family, and staff, our hearts are broken. We loved Dr. Mays. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. This world needs more men like Dr. Steve Mays. He was a great dentist and always made us smile.
Eve I Kim December 7, 2020 at 11:12 pmNan, Rainer, and Keller, I know your loss is great! Your dad was an awesome man. He was kind, concerned, and generous. I can’t believe he was taken from us so soon. I remember one time at the office we were talking about the deer on Douglas Bend road. He said when he played golf he would talk to them. They were never afraid of him! My prayers are with you! If there’s anything I can help with, please let me know.
Kaye December 8, 2020 at 3:23 amI was a patient of Dr. Mays for 20 plus years. When I moved to Florida in 2017 I knew I would never be able to find a dentist to replace him so I drove for 7 hours for my dental services. He and the staff at May’s Dentistry were so kind it felt like coming home. He will be greatly missed.
Sandra Johnson December 8, 2020 at 3:19 pmOur sincere condolences to Nan and her family. We pray for strength and comfort during this most difficult time. All our love, Sandra and Mike Johnson
tracey bowman December 8, 2020 at 8:07 pmNan I am sorry sorry to hear this news. Steve was a wonderful Godly man, this world will truly miss him but God has gain a warrior. You and family will be in my prayers. Love Tracey
Dora Ann Fleming December 8, 2020 at 11:40 pmI’m so sorry for your loss, I will miss him, he was a great dentist and a super nice guy…
Bob Riley December 9, 2020 at 12:41 amJust found out about Steve's passing this afternoon when we were visiting Martin. Steve was one of my best friends from junior high through high school at Martin Westview. He was just a great guy: friendly, laid-back, funny, modest, smart as a whip. We sadly lost touch after college. Wish I could have seen him to relive old times. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Bud Franklin December 9, 2020 at 9:21 pmSteve was our dentist for 25 years. He and his staff got a kick out of my dental records I brought to him still in the military folder in paper copy. Captain Mays was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base where I’m certain many crewmen of the C-130 units serving there benefited from his dedicated and talented work as a dentist. His strong belief in Jesus was reflected in his practice, his staff and his selfless service in our communities. We honor his memory.
Karla Bull December 10, 2020 at 2:50 amI wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and many friends of Dr. Mays. I have cherished him being my dentist for over 7 years after my father retired from dentistry. I was very hesitant to find another dentist, and when I needed help with a dental issue, someone recommended him and I took a chance and was so glad I did. He reminded me of my father, he was so professional and kind. That is what I will remember about him. God just added another angel to his army. God Bless.
Karla Bull December 10, 2020 at 3:22 amI want to express my deepest sympathies to the family, many friends and co-workers of Dr. Mays. I have cherished Dr. Mays being my dentist for 7+ years, after my father retired as a dentist. I was very reluctant to find a new one, and later when I had a dental issue someone recommended him to me, I'm so glad I took their advice to go. He reminded me of my father, so professional and kind. This is how I will always remember him. God just added another Angel to his army. God Bless. Rob and Karla Bull
John Thomas December 10, 2020 at 11:50 amSteve and I were classmates and for short time dorm mates in Dental School. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time!
Eric W Himmelreich,DDS December 10, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Steve was a classmate of mine at UT Martin and UT Dental School. He was one of the smartest guys in our dental class but was very quiet and humble! I saw how he treated patients in our school
Clinic and he always showed compassion and kindness so it doesn't surprise me that he had a very successful practice and was a great Dad and husband! He also had a great sense of humor that would come out during our marathon study sessions in dental school!! He was what we refer to as one of the "good guys". RIP Dr. Steve
Nan I am so sorry for your loss! I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time and the days ahead!
Peggi Seaman December 10, 2020 at 10:53 pmNan, I just read the beautiful obituary of your husband. He sounds like an amazing person. My heart aches for you at this time. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.,
Thomas Neal December 11, 2020 at 12:44 amI will miss him as my dentist for many years and a fellow Rotarian. No doubt well received by ,”Well done my good and faithful servant”.
Mike Dobson December 11, 2020 at 3:43 pmSteve was a childhood friend of mine. We went to Westview High School in Martin together. I hadn’t seen him in over 40 years but I talked to him on the phone a few years ago and he was still the same guy I knew back then. He will be missed.
Sybil Jenkins Rogers December 11, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Nan and family, words fail me as I attempt to relate my deepest heartfelt sympathy! I go back to
a young boy who was kind and loving,
and was the son of my dear friend, Genease.
May you find the “peace that passes all understanding.”
Nan,
I am so sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. I didn’t know him well but understand he was a wonderful man!
I have retired and moved back to Florence.
I would love to see you sometime when you make it home for a visit!
Renae
Vikki Windoloski December 24, 2020 at 12:40 pmI would like to send my sincere condolences to Dr. Mays family, friends and dedicated co-workers. I did not know the family personally but boy did Dr. Mays talk about some funny times regarding Nan and the family all while I was getting nitrous oxide which made things even more comical. I was needing a dentist in 2005 and a patient of his that I worked with said "he's the man for the job". I went to see him and knew he was the one who could handle me. See I'm petrified of the Dentist but he made my fear less intense. He was so kind, gentle and patient with me. He was a very funny man who had a heart of gold. I called the office last week to get an appointment to see him and was told at that time of his passing. I was devastated and I could not get the family and their sorrow they must that have been feeling off my mind. Thank you Dr Mays for being so good to me for the past 15 years and thank you for being the great man you was. You will be forever missed by so many. I know when he passed through those pearly gates that he was welcomed with open arms by so many people who have been waiting to see him again. Rest easy knowing his work was done on this earth and he did an awesome job at completing that work.
Pat Givens January 7, 2021 at 9:00 pmNan, You are in my prayers today and for the days to come!
Ilene Marshall January 25, 2021 at 11:59 pmI have just now received news of Dr.Mays passing. He had only been my dentist for a couple of years. The minute I met him (and his staff) I felt comfortable and welcomed. Dr Mays was a kind, caring and capable provider. My deepest condolences to his family. Heaven has gained another angel.
The Hallgren Family January 28, 2021 at 2:03 pmSuch a sadness; first the loss of Linda, now the wonderful Steve who was always so kind, and got right to work helping to keep our smiles beautiful. Prayers and comfort to his family and the lovely people of the practice.
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