Barbourville, Ky - Harold Ledford Mays , 75, of Barbourville, passed away March 25, 2021.  Harold was the son of Ida McVey Mays and Willie T. Mays, joyfully born to them on October 27, 1945 in Barbourville.

Harold lived his entire life in his beloved community of Barbourville.  He was a devoted member of the Roadside Baptist Church in Boone Height.  Harold was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband and grandfather.  He was a hard worker.  Harold worked as a coal miner for forty years for the Thomas Gregory Mines, but it was his work as a Sheriff's Deputy that he was most proud of.  Harold worked as a deputy for thirty years at the Knox County Sheriff's Department for Sheriff Wilbur Bingham and Sheriff John Pickard.  In his free time, Harold enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren, who he referred to as his "babies", and his dear friend Gary Bays, who preceded him in death.  Harold also loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed taking care of his properties and fishing, but most of all he enjoyed deer hunting.

In addition to his parents, Ida McVey Mays and Willie T. Mays, Harold was preceded in death by his spouse, Janice Peters Mays, and by his son James Lee "Jimbo" Mays.  Three sisters: Gretchen Mays, Thelma Middleton, Dorothy Thomas, and four brothers: Charles Mays, Johnny Mays, Louis Mays, and Willie Mays also preceded Harold in death.

Left behind to mourn his life passing are Harold's children: daughters, Lisa Michelle May (Roger) and Angela Micchelle Dunn (Brandon), and son Harold Mays Jr. as well as two sisters: Betty Rice, and Jewell Abrams, and two brothers: Jimmy Mays and Denver Mays.  Five cherished grandchildren will also miss Harold greatly: Dalton May, Skylar Dunn, Cameron Dunn, Nathan Dunn, and Courtney Dunn.

The Mays family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM and on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from 12:00 noon until the funeral hour of 2:00 PM.  The Reverend Brandon Dunn will officiate with Reverend Ernie Wyatt assisting.  Musical tributes will be performed by Sounds of Faith. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at the Barbourville Cemetery.  The family has chosen for Casket Bearers:  Gary Mays, Jimmy Mays Jr., Denver Mays Jr., Roy Allen Smith, Mike Helton, Lonnie Abrams.  Honorary Casket Bearers are members of the Knox County Sheriff's Department.

The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Harold Ledford Mays .

Social distancing requirements continue.  Everyone attending the services will be required to wear a mask and remain six feet apart.

Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all funeral arrangements for Harold Ledford Mays .