Orris "Sonny" Zane Mayes

Orris Zane Mayes (Sonny), 84, of Louisville, Kentucky, peacefully passed away on April 14, 2026, He was a loving husband, Father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His unwavering dedication and love to his family was evident in his work ethic, his music and his love of life.

He was passionate about his music and found joy being on stage. He performed classic country, gospel, and funny skits. He did not read sheet music; he played by ear. His favorite instrument was the guitar, but he could play the banjo, violin, and harmonica. He loved the great outdoors with his family and friends, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, golfing, washers, corn hole, outdoor grilling, campfires, racetracks, NASCAR, chewing tobacco, drinking beer and telling jokes. He also liked to shoot pool. He was an excellent carpenter, builder, and created beautiful jewelry out of rocks, washer and cornhole boards, birdhouses out of PVC, making wood walking sticks, toy chest for his great-grandkids, and so much more. He was a veteran who loved God and Country.

Sonny was born on February 8, 1942, in Belmont, North Carolina to Leo Lyon and Mary Edna (Doan) Mayes. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Belva McBride and Delvida Caldwell; brothers: Walter Lyon Mayes and James Mayes; and stepbrothers: Lawrence A. Mayes, Richard S. Mayes, and Johnny Mayes.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anna Rita Mayes; his children: Mary Edna Hamble, Richard David Mayes (Theresa), Robert Arthur Mayes (Penny), Troy Thomas (Nancy), and Steve Beisler (Ashley); 6 grandchildren: Raymond H. Hamble, Danny W. Mayes, Megan E. Mayes, Jacob T. Thomas, Matthew Beisler, and Justice Miller; 4 great-grandchildren: Emily Hamble, Trinity Hamble, Bradley Mayes, and Bailey Mayes; stepbrothers: Danny D. Mayes (Janet), Dallas Estes, and Ralph Estes (Linda); stepsisters: Jerry Jaimeson (Paul), Sandy Grounds, Connie Perkins, Barbara McKay, and Patricia Friedrich; 1 uncle: Morris Mayes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sonny will be lovingly remembered by his family and so many friends who knew him well.

A funeral service for Mr. Orris (Sonny) Mayes will be held at 1 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Louisville Memorial Gardens West Funeral Home, 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 12 PM to 7 PM, and prior to the service beginning at 11 AM, at the funeral home. Entombment at Louisville Memorial Gardens West will follow the funeral service.