Pastor William Wyatt Mayes

Pastor William Wyatt Mayes, 86, of Buena Vista passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025.  He was born Sept. 30, 1938, in Dinwiddie County, the son of Joel Harrison Mayes and Bettie Hatfield Mayes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Virginia Paulette and Katharine Williams; brothers, Robert Mayes and Franklin Mayes; and granddaughter, Amanda Mason. 

Pastor Mayes personally pastored 10 different churches and served as a Hospice Chaplin and Camp Host Chaplin.  He was also involved with prison ministries, radio ministries, and Native American ministries.  Pastor Mayes will also be remembered for his special love of eagles.

Surviving are his wife, Bettie Rivers Mayes; children, Timothy Mayes (Tracy), Grace Tilson (Alan), Mary Mason (Kenneth) and Ruth Mayes (Rod Johnson); grandchildren, Brenda Mayes, Marie Nicely, Rebecca Thacker, David Tilson, Todd Mason, Elizabeth Piro, Kerith Brown, Jessica Sullivan, RoseAnna Pagans, Tabitha Boan and William Alex Webb; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Hattie Cox. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Mt. Zion BaptistChurch by the Rev. Hank Robertson. Burial will follow at IrishCreek CommunityCemetery. 

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, at Bolling, Grose and Lotts Funeral Home. 

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.