He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sonya Mayes; father, Charles Mayes of Johnson City; sister, Rachel Swoboda (Butch) of Johnson City; step-children, Damon Nielson (Katrina) of Lakeland, and Jacalyn Gano (Damon) of Lakeland; grandchildren, Felicity Nielson, Ashley Nielson, Derrick Gano, and Daphnie Gano; and dogs, JR and Maggie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jewell Mayes; sister, Teresa Archer; and dog, JD.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 22 from 10:00 A.M. to Noon, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 CR 39, Plant City, Florida, 33567. A graveside service will follow at Springhead Cemetery, Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lakeland SPCA http://www.spcaflorida.org/donate/ and/or Compassionate Care Hospice at http://cchnet.net/southeast/florida/. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com .
