Thomas Murray Mayfield, Jr., of Charlotte, NC, left this life on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his devoted family. Following a recent cancer diagnosis, Tommy “Papa” chose to spend his remaining time in his own home, on his own terms and with his family and friends. Born November 19, 1925, in Greer, SC, the son of Thomas Murray Mayfield and Lillian Ballenger Mayfield, Tommy graduated in 1942 from Greenville High School, Greenville, SC, then attended The Citadel. He then served in the US Army Air Forces, from 1943 to 1945 as a B-29 tail gunner in the 20th Air Force flying twenty-one missions in the Pacific Theater, and received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill. Tommy married Mary McGill on July 30, 1948, in Greer, SC. He was employed at T.M. Mayfield & Company, Independent Insurance Adjusters in Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC starting 1948, and retiring as President and Chairman of the Board in 1990. Predeceased by his parents and wife Mary McGill Mayfield, he is survived by five children: Betty Mayfield, Alan Mayfield, Michael Mayfield (Misty), Margaret Dreibelbis, and Laura Lucas; also ten grandchildren, Susanna Merrill, Jack Merrill, Lindsay Wells, Matthew Mayfield, Brian Mayfield, Dustin Dreibelbis, Kevin Dreibelbis, Meghan Lucas, Mary Lucas, Maggie Lucas; and three great-grandchildren, Merritt Wells, Everett Wells, and Callie Dreibelbis. Also, stepmother Edith L. Mayfield, brothers William A. Mayfield (Eleanor) and Edward W. Mayfield (Pat), half-brother David L. Mayfield, longtime friend Linda Roberts, and special golf mate cousins Allen and Curtis Ballenger. The family would like to thank longtime family friend and advisor Dr. Blair Bryan for the care, advice and devotion to Tommy and the Mayfield family over the decades. Tommy was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC where he served as deacon and elder. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 26th, at First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends immediately following in the Wood Fellowship Hall. The family will also receive friends at their home, 3636 Henshaw Road, Charlotte, NC, following the service at the church. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26th at Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery, Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the TV Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202, or the charity of your choosing. J.B. Tallent Funeral Service is serving the needs of the family. Online condolences may be shared through www.tallentfuneralservice.com.
Posted in: Charlotte Observer
Posted on: 2015-09-23
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/charlotte/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-mayfield&pid=175887775&fhid=5224#sthash.Kyqik6W3.dpuf