Mitchell Allen Mayes, Sr.

We announce with heavy hearts anchored in faith, that Mitchell Allen Mayes Sr. entered the presence of our loving Lord, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was surrounded by the love and heart-felt prayers of family and friends.

Mitchell was born to Sterling and Mattie Mayes on September 20, 1952, at Evans Hospital in Middlesboro, Kentucky. His childhood and youth were spent playing with electronics and machines, excelling in school, and attending East Cumberland Baptist Church where his father served as a Deacon and his letter of membership remains, but most importantly where he committed his eternal soul to the Heavenly Father. His impeccable memory allowed him to deeply know The Lord’s Holy Word, and any information that he read. His belief was that “unto whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48), so he used his gift of knowledge to answer the call on his heart to spread just that!

Though Mitchell had a brilliant mind and attended Eastern Kentucky University, was a talented artist, and successful business owner, he’d declare that the greatest of his accomplishments was his marriage of 52 years to his beloved and devoted wife, “Woody,” and the family they built together. He was a jack of all trades, working for the newspaper, driving a truck, serving in supervisory roles, carpentry, masonry, mechanics, and electronics. He eventually founded his own business based in Middlesboro, and was owner and operator of Mayes Electric Service for over 35 years, serving all who needed him. He was also proud to have received the highest state honor as a Kentucky Colonel.

He was a talented artist, exceptional in painting, music, and agriculture. He played in many groups for more than 40 years, but most notable was the country music band that he cofounded, “Thunder Rose,” who plays on to this day. He was able to enjoy his passions for music and gardening through sharing his wisdom with his son, Mitchell, who continued all of the picking and cultivating in his later years.

In a recent conversation, he could feel his time drawing near. He said that he had an important message that he wanted to share with urgency to everyone: “Repent and be saved! And may the dead rest in peace!”

Mitchell was preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Mayes; parents, Sterling and Mattie (Marsee) Mayes; brothers, Leon Mayes and Gary Mayes; and father and mother in-law, Frank and Hazel (Allen) Woody, all of Middlesboro, KY.

He is survived by his wife, Julia (Kathy Woody) Mayes of Middlesboro, KY; three daughters, Amanda Mayes of London, KY, Julie Mayes (Clyde, Jr.) Russell of Corbin, KY, and Magdalyn (Eric) Gray of Barbourville, KY; his only son, Mitchell (Amy) Mayes, Jr. of Middlesboro, KY; three granddaughters, Bethany Russell of Berea, KY, Isabella Mayes of Middlesboro, KY, and Skylar Gray of Harrogate, TN; three grandsons, Brian (Jade) Bays of Frakes, KY, Matthew Bays of London, KY, and Jarod (Destiny) Russell of London, KY; great grandson, Roran Bays; great granddaughter, Eden Russell; sister Neville (George) Morgan of Covington, GA; baby sister, Cheryl (Larry) Dooley of Bonita Springs, FL; brothers, Roger (Debbie) Mayes of Tazewell, TN, Thomas Mayes of Harrogate, TN, and Sam (Missy) Mayes of Middlesboro, KY; close friend, Roger (LuAnn) Hembree of Speedwell, TN; and a vast number of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

His wife and family wish to thank you for continued love, prayers, and support.

A celebration of life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Mike Padgett presiding. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Green Hills Memorial Gardens Gazebo, Middlesboro, KY.

Pallbearers will be Mitchell Mayes Jr., Clyde Russell, Jr., Eric Gray, Brian Bays, Matthew Bays, and Jarod Russell.

Dear friends, extraordinary final care team, and honorary pallbearers are Dr. Wilmoth, Dr. Cox, and nurses, Nancy, Dennis, April, Candice, and Allison.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cawood Funeral Home to help with his funeral expenses.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Mitchell Allen Mayes are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.