Floyd H. Mayo

Floyd H. Mayo was a friendly, caring man who loved being with people. He had a way of making anyone feel comfortable and was always pleasant and polite. Floyd worked hard and played hard, was frugal with his money, and yet the first to offer assistance to family and friends. With a love of music in his soul and a love for family in his heart, Floyd approached each day as an opportunity to bring happiness to those around him. The year was 1920 and things were on the upswing for many in the United States. The grim visage of World War I lie smoldering in the distance, and many Americans found prosperity working in the newly developed manufacturing sector. In Muskegon, Michigan, Alonzo Mayo, a barber, and his wife, Philaura (Cottrell), were preparing their home once again for the arrival of their newest family member. On September 19, 1920, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Floyd. The Mayo household would eventually be a bustling place with eight children: Donald, Milton, Fred, Margaret, Floyd, Ethel, John and Doug. Floyd grew up in Muskegon in their family home at 1901 Ireland Street, which was always filled with music. He was introduced to music at a young age from his loving parents; in fact, the entire Mayo family had some kind of musical talent. Floyd received his education in the Muskegon area schools, though left Muskegon High after the 10th grade to work full time at Brunswick Corporation. In 1939, Floyds life took a new direction when he married Evangaline Hopper, and they had three wonderful children together: Robert, Sam and Michelle. Shortly after saying I do, Floyd received his draft notice from the U.S. Army, and proudly served his country during World War II. In those deep, dark days of war, Floyd would bring out his Mandolin, which he carried with him all over Europe, and played to lighten everyones mood. Upon his honorable discharge, Floyd returned home to his family, and enrolled in classes for TV repair in Detroit. In 1951, he was able to get a job at Dresser Industries as a set up man, a job he held for 32 years. Aside from his day job, Floyd always pursued his love of music, playing his Mandolin, Banjo Mandolin, trumpet and even singing in various bands, and doing TV repair to supplement the family income. Family was always very important to Floyd. He spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving father and husband, while staying close with his siblings, parents and good friends. Floyd made it a point to stop home every night to visit with his mom for a while until she later passed away. Unfortunately, Floyds marriage to Evangaline ended in divorce in 1963. But love would find Floyd again when he met Eleanor (Bray) Twining; it was said it was love at first sight. The two fell in love and were happily married on August 21, 1964. When Floyd and Eleanor were wed, it symbolized not only the merging of two lives, but also of two families. Eleanor had 7 children of her own and with Floyds three they very quickly became a family of 10 (though some of the kids were already grown and on their own). Floyd and Eleanor did a wonderful job of making their separate families into one loving group. Their home was always full and bustling with festivities for the holidays, which couldnt make Floyd any happier. There were plenty of memorable family vacations too, including camping and hunting trips with lots of fishing and canoeing, as well as a trip to California with all the kids. After retiring from Dresser in 1983, Floyd had more time to devote to his many hobbies and interests. Very industrious and frugal, he could usually be found tinkering or fixing something in his workshop, which had ample space for him to spread out in. He stayed active bowling every Tuesday night with his grandson, Jason, and was a life member of VFW Post 446. An avid outdoorsman, Floyd was a hunter and fisherman most of his life, but also liked to work in his yard. He enjoyed watching western movies, but above all, just spending time with their family and friends and playing his music always made him happy. Although Floyds life was happy, it was also marked by great sorrow. He tragically lost his son, Darryl, in 1991 of cancer, and a just a few years later, his son, Robert, also succumbed to the disease. This was a devastating time for Floyd, but he found great comfort in his family and friends. After some time, Floyd began having health problems of his own, and eventually underwent bypass surgery. He tried hard to keep his heart healthy by walking 2 miles a day, but in 2008, his health just started to gradually decline. Surrounded by his loving family, Floyd passed away at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2010, at the age of 90. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Floyd will be greatly missed and remembered always. Floyd is survived by his wife of 46 years, Eleanor; sons, Sam (Kathy) Mayo of Holton, Stan (Shirley) Bray of Newaygo, Robert Bray of Grand Rapids, David (Joyce) Twining of Newaygo; daughters, Michelle (Jerry) Lampman of Grant, Cheryl Black of Muskegon, Arlene Bray of Fruitport, Charlotte Needham of GA; brother, John Mayo of Muskegon; sister, Margaret Westfall of Fruitport; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Mayo & Darryl Bray. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, November 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Visitation is on Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fruitport Lions Club. Please visit Floyds personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.