Billy Jack Mayes

Bill Mayes, 86, of Brevard, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023 after a period of declining health, at Sapphire Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Brevard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Juanita Mayes, and his son, Andy Mayes.

Bill was born October 16, 1937, in Commerce, Texas. His family moved to Oklahoma for several years, then to Midland, Texas where he graduated from Midland High School in 1955. He went to East Texas State university in Commerce on a basketball scholarship and was awarded All-America honors. He graduated with a Masters of Education at E.T. 

Bill married Elizabeth Taylor of Commerce in 1960.

After graduation in 1962 they and their first son, Andrew, moved to Arlington, Texas where Bill taught school and coached basketball at Ousley Junior High School. Their second son, Matthew, was born in Arlington.

In 1967 the family moved to Brevard, NC when they purchased Camp Deerwoode for Boys. After 25 years running the camp, Bill retired from camping and converted the camp lodge and the cabins into short-term rentals, and the camp gym into The Deerwoode Fitness Center. In 2021, the property was sold to Scott and Dionne Hodgson of Lakeland, Florida.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth; his son Matt and grandchildren Matthew and Barrett Mayes of Augusta; his great-grandchildren: Tanner Mayes and his mother, Ralphine Highsmith Mayes of Brevard; his brother, Buddy Mayes; and nephews Brent Mayes (Carla) and Richard Mayes of Portland, OR.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Care Partners Home Care and Hospice, 89 Hospital Drive, Suite A, Brevard, NC 28712.

To leave a memory or condolence for the family of Bill Mayes, please go to “Obituaries” at www.mooreblanchard.com

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.