Roger Courtney Mayhew

Roger Courtney Mayhew, Sr. went to be with the Lord on August 24, 2013 at the age of 89. Mr. Mayhew was born in Iredell County on April 7, 1924 to Earnest Moore Mayhew and Jessie Hager Mayhew. He grew up in Cornelius and attended Cornelius School. He was known as an excellent baseball player, playing second base for the IX Cotton Mill. His love for the sport continued throughout his lifetime. At age 19, Mr. Mayhew joined the United States Army Air Corps and served as an Airplane and Engine Mechanic with the 940th Squadron, 514th Air Service Group. He was a recipient of the American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and his name is proudly displayed on the Cornelius, NC memorial. At Mount Zion Church, Mr. Mayhew met Louise Barnette and they were wed on November 17, 1943. They celebrated fifty wonderful years of marriage, raising three children together and later enjoying spending time with grandchildren. The Mayhew home was filled with music and laughter, as Mrs. Mayhew was an accomplished pianist and each had an excellent sense of humor. Mr. Mayhew had a long career installing commercial glass in buildings of all kinds. Many structures in Uptown Charlotte and the surrounding region contain his handiwork. Following his retirement from PPG Industries, Mr. Mayhew continued to work part-time, first at Cashion's in Cornelius and later at Hardee's in Huntersville and Wal-Mart in the Charlotte University area. As one of the founding members of Long Creek Baptist Church, Mr. Mayhew served as a deacon for many years, making lifelong friends and making all feel welcome. When Long Creek merged with Unity Baptist Church, Mr. Mayhew continued his role as deacon and was an avid volunteer, helping organize events that served the surrounding community. He attended the church until its closing, later practicing his faith by attending Sunday Services at Huntersville Oaks. Mr. Mayhew was a kind and generous man, and was loved by family and friends. He possessed a mischievous and dazzling sense of humor. Those who knew him could expect him to answer the question "How are you?" with "Mean as ever". Since there was never a more agreeable person, this always brought a smile. He enjoyed watching westerns and playing bingo, and was a devoted Duke University basketball fan. He was rarely seen without a Duke hat, which sparked many good-natured conversations, both with Duke fans and with fans of rival teams. Mr. Mayhew loved fishing, particularly from the Springmaid pier at Myrtle Beach. He kept a suitcase packed so that he was always ready to go. Mr. Mayhew was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, in 1994; by both parents, and by one brother, Arnold. He is survived by three children; Jane Mayhew White and husband Robert White, Roger Mayhew Jr. and wife Jane Auten Mayhew, Cindy Mayhew Pelle and husband Mickey Pelle; six grandchildren, Alan, Angie, Andy, Nathan, Natalie and Courtney; and six great-grandchildren Forest, Heather, Seth, Mya, Vaughn and Lily. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Huntersville Oaks, particularly the sweet and caring staff of the Forest Hills neighborhood. Contributions may be made to Levine &Dickson Hospice House at https://hpccr.thankyou4caring.org in tribute to Roger Mayhew, Sr. The family will receive visitors at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville on Monday, August 26, 2013 from 7 to 9 pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 2 pm at Raymer-Kepner with Rev. Shawn Wease officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Community Cemetery. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at http://www.raymerfh.com/.