ARKADELPHIA — William “Bill” Bert Mayo Jr.
was born on March 8, 1934, the only child of William B. Mayo Sr. and Lillian Bishop Mayo. He passed away peacefully on April 7, 2023.
Bill was raised in Blytheville, Ark., and developed a love for football that lasted his entire life. He played guard on the 1950 Chickasaws State championship team that had a 14-0 record. Coach Mayo received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Arkansas State College (University) where he lettered in football and was a member of the 1953 Indians team that played in the Tangerine Bowl.
In May 1957, he reported for active duty with the U.S. Army, one day after he married his sweetheart for life Marjorie Dougherty. They were married for 62 years until Margie’s passing in 2019. Although they did not have children, they considered themselves second parents to their nieces and nephews and generously gave each one their love, time and attention.
He began his coaching career on the high school level but also coached at Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) and Emory and Henry College in Virginia. He served as Blytheville’s Athletic Director for 25 years. He was instrumental in promoting excellence in existing sports and in the addition of new sports for both men and women.
Bill was active in the professional organizations for Athletic Directors and was involved in the organization of some of them. Receiving many awards and accolades throughout his career, Coach Mayo was the first recipient of an award bearing his name in 2021. “The Bill Mayo Award for Lifetime Achievement” was given to him by the Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association (AHSAAA).
He was active in Lions Club and served as President of three different clubs. A steward of Christ, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Blytheville, First Baptist Penn Church, Eureka Springs Memorial and Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia.
Coach Mayo left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He truly liked people and respected them. In return, he was loved by the many he educated, coached, mentored, befriended. And he inspired generations throughout his lifetime.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margie; and brothers-in-law; Sonny Stires of Vista, Calif., and Dean Dougherty of Irmo, S.C. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Marilyn Stires of Vista, Calif., Ruby Dougherty of Irmo, S.C., and Sandy Rodgers (Ronnie) of Arkadelphia, Ark; four nephews; and three nieces; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in Blytheville at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Coach William B. Mayo Outstanding Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund, c/o Dr. Mike Williams, BHSSF, P.O. Box 1169 Blytheville, Ark. 72316. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.