Samuel Keith Mayo | Eastern NC Now

    Samuel Keith Mayo, age 84, a resident of Blounts Creek, NC died Tuesday February 6, 2024 at Herford Health and Rehabilitation.

    A funeral service will be held 11:00 Am Friday February 9, 2024 in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory and will be officiated by Rev. Tim Whealton and Rev. Joel Cannon. Burial Will follow at the Toler Family Cemetery in Blounts Creek. Larry Thomas, Dean Toler, Ray Lewis, Brent Hodges, Terry Hodges (honorary), Dalton Mayo, and Phillip Mayo will serve as pallbearers.

    Sam was born on March 31, 1939 in Beaufort County to George and Katy Mayo (née Wheaton) and was the oldest of four brothers. He married his wife, Sandra Kay Mayo (née Toler), on December 21, 1958. Sam was a 1957 graduate of Aurora High School and immediately enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps. He served 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam, before retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Following his military service, Sam began a second 15-year career with Xerox Corporation while also completing an associates degree at Craven Community College. Outside of work, Sam was an avid photographer and outdoor enthusiast. He spent countless hours sailing, wandering trails, and searching for the perfect photo of plants and wildlife. After retiring to Blounts Creek, Sam was also active with Smyrna Free Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon.

    Sam is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandra Mayo, two sons, Doug Mayo and his wife Janice of Blounts Creek, NC and Greg Mayo and his wife Melissa of Raleigh, NC, and daughter-in-law Jo Ann Mayo of Blounts Creek, NC. His surviving grandchildren include Eric Mayo of Wilson, NC, Rhiannon Brown and husband Matt of River Bend, NC, Ashley Mayo of Blounts Creek, NC, and Lucas, Lawson, and Owen Mayo of Raleigh, NC. Surviving great grandchildren include Anna, Max, Lucy, and Sam Brown of River Bend, NC and Lincoln Mayo of Wilson, NC. Sam is also survived by his three brothers, James and Carole Mayo of Blounts Creek, NC, Wayne and Carol Mayo of Washington, NC, and Larry and Cindy Mayo of Oriental, NC.

    Memorial contributions can be made to Smyrna Free Will Baptist Church (P.O. box 77, Blounts Creek, NC 27814) or a charity of the givers choice.

    Preceding Sam were his parents and sons, Stephen Francis and Denis Ray Mayo.

    The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory.

    Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is serving the Mayo family.