William Hamilton Mays

William H. Mays II (Bill), 78, of Franklin, passed away on December 27, 2015 at 11:40 a.m. at the Caring Place in Franklin.Born July, 31, 1937, Bill was the son of the late Otis B. and Marie N. Noonan Mays. He attended St. Patrick's school and graduated from Franklin High School in 1955. On January 10, 1959, he married Donna G. Canon in Franklin.Bill served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958. He served with honor on the Forrestal-class aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Saratoga in the Mediterranean.Bill began his career with Exchange Bank as a Loan Officer from 1960 to 1984. During that time, he was awarded various promotions and recognition for his exemplary performance. Bill stayed with the bank through its merger with First National Bank of Pennsylvania in 1984. In 1986, Bill was promoted to Vice President and Manager and was assigned the broad responsibility of managing the bank offices within the Venango County banking market. Bill retired from First National Bank of Pennsylvania in July 1999.Bill was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing many courses in Western PA and throughout the country. The next time you play a round of golf... Bill's family hopes you will take a moment to remember him. Bill was a voracious reader and read thousands of books during his life. He loved reading books about history and his knowledge regarding American history was expansive. Bill also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. Bill served on the Franklin Hospital Foundation Medical Center Board of Trustees and the UPMC NW Foundation Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Bill served on numerous boards and committees and was committed to the people of Franklin. Bill was also a Past Exalted Ruler of BPOE #110 in 1970, a former board member of the Franklin Club, and a former member of the Wanango County Club.Bill is survived by his wife, Donna G. Mays of Franklin; his son, William H. Mays III, and his wife, Heather, of Canonsburg; his granddaughter, Anna Rose Mays, of Cannonsburg; his brother, John B. Mays, and his wife, Sally, of Franklin; his brother, Thomas B. Mays, of Franklin; and his nephews: Robert W. Mays of Cleveland, Steven J. Hines of Mercer, and Douglas B. Hines of Brunswick, GA.Bill was preceded in death only by his parents.Friends and family will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin, on Tuesday, December 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 30, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Franklin Cemetery.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Franklin Public Library, 421 12th Street, Franklin, PA 16323; the American Cancer Society, PA Division Inc, PO Box 896, Hershey, PA 17033-0896; or to the Allegheny Valley Trails Association, PO Box 264, Franklin, PA 16323.