Doug Mays

Douglas Edward Mays entered eternal rest on July 15, 2026, at the age of 67 in Big Spring, TX. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Big Spring. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.

 Doug was born on October 17, 1958, in Big Spring, graduated from BSHS in 1977 and then from Texas Tech University in 1984 with a BA in Landscape Architecture.

 Most of his childhood was spent running around with his Highland South neighbors. First Presbyterian Church was his lifelong church home. Doug made forever friends from childhood to adulthood there, serving as an elder and usher for many years. 

Doug’s mom made sure he knew his civic duties. Polly hauled Doug around working at the Potton House, the Big Spring and any other area she saw a need, mainly doing physical labor. Even though these jobs were not always where Doug wanted to spend his time, a love of Big Spring and community were formed and became a huge part of his heart. He was always willing and available to lend a hand. After moving back to Big Spring, he became very involved in the Big Spring Historical Society. 

Nature was the true love of his life. Using his degree in Landscape Architecture, he shared God’s beauty with others across the state of Texas. He worked in Dallas, Whitney, San Angelo, Midland, and Big Spring helping people create a personal landscape for their home or business. Doug loved the beach, especially South Padre, where he spent many hours with a pencil and sketchbook. He never left home without a pencil and sketchbook. The mountains of Ft. Davis were another passion of his. His love of the quiet and nature’s simple beauty gave him a deep peace. In recent years, Doug focused on painting and recently found his stride with a paint brush, thanks to the teachers and other students at The Chicken Farm in San Angelo. Another love he had was attending the monthly Wine Club and visiting with neighbors, never a dull moment with that group. 

Doug is survived by his brother-in-law, James Chadwell; niece Jessica Williams and her children Anna Marie, Elliot, and Harris; nephew Trey Tipton and his daughter Zoe; best friends Mark and Jill Spannaus, John Yater, Wine Club, and many more friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Floyd R. Mays, Jr. and Polly M. (Shultz) Mays, and sister Cathy Chadwell, as well as his beloved dogs, Ranger and Cassie. 

Memorials may be sent to Big Spring Heritage Museum, Big Spring Humane Society or First Presbyterian Church.

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