Dr. Alva L. Mayes Jr.

Alva Louie Mayes, Jr. MD passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Dr. Mayes was born February 19, 1931 in Appling, Georgia to the late Alva Louie Mayes, Sr. and Avis Morris Mayes. Graduating as valedictorian of Athens High School in 1948, he then went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in 1952. After completing medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, he accepted an internship at the Macon Hospital in 1956. It was there he met his future wife, Dora Lou Hawkins. They married in December 28, 1956 at Vineville United Methodist Church which became their church home for 60 plus years. Dr. Mayes served as the Chairman of the Usher Committee for many years as well as being a former Chairman of the Administrative Board and the Pastor/Parish Committee. He was a long time member of the Mack Anthony Class and recently joined the Allen Sanders Class.

Dr. Mayes entered military service with the US Navy in 1957. He completed his Pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After receiving his honorable discharge from the US Navy as Lt. Commander in 1963, he and Dora and their family returned to Macon, Georgia to begin his medical practice in Pediatrics at 2009 Vineville Avenue. Dr. Mayes took call with his good friend, Dr. Oscar Spivey for many years until he went into practice with Primary Pediatrics. He retired from Primary Pediatrics on December 21, 2007. Dr. Mayes remained active in the medical community working at Pediatrics After Hours and in various doctors’ offices while they were out. He never let his medical license lapse. Dr. Mayes was proud to have served the Macon Community as a Pediatrician for over 58 years.

Dr. Mayes was President of the Bibb County Medical Society in 1981. He was honored as Bibb County Medical Society Physician of the Year in 1992 and given the Distinguished Service Award from that group in 2001. Dr. Mayes served as State President of the Medical Association of Georgia in 1995-1996 and in other various positions with that group. In 1999, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from MAG. He served as chair of MAG Legislative Council for many years. Dr. Mayes served several terms on the MAG Insurance Company Board and as an Alternate Director/Director for the AMA. Dr. Mayes also served as President of the Medical College of Georgia Alumni in 1995-1996 and for several years he served on the MCG Foundation Board of Directors. He was one of a group of pediatricians who lobbied for a Children’s Hospital which Macon has now.

Dr. Mayes was a beloved pediatrician in Macon whose greatest delight was to be approached by mothers and former patients who told him who they were and how much they loved him. Several of his former patients became nurses or physicians, and a few followed in his steps as a pediatrician. He enjoyed mentoring young physicians in the Macon Community.

In retirement, he was an active member of the RODEO Club, (Retired Old Doctors Eating Out)

Dr. Mayes was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dora Mayes; his son, Alva Jeffrey Mayes; and his sister, Louse Whitehead. Dr. Mayes died on the 5th anniversary of his wife’s death.

He is survived by his children, Pam Kent, Patti (Harry) Graves, Joey (Molly) Mayes and Peggy Newman, and by his daughter-in-law, Denise Mayes. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kerri (Bill), Kati (Jeff), Jonathan, Sam (Tiara), Joe (Olivia), Kelly, Jake, Cole, Holly; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Public Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday in Riverside Cemetery entering through the Madison Street Gate. Visitation will follow. Dr. Marcus Tripp and Dr. Jimmy Asbell will officiate. Masks and social distancing are required to be in attendance. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon 31204 or Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, 888 Pine Street, Macon 31201.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes. Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.