Anthony Darrell Mayes

Anthony "Tony" Darrell Mayes was born in Los Angeles, California on December 28, 1953 to the union of E.B. and Mary Mayes. Tony was educated in the Los Angeles school district and was an alumnus of the University of Southern California. At an early age, Tony accepted Jesus Christ into his life and was baptized at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles where he served as a junior deacon.

In the mid-seventies, Tony ventured into the music industry working for notable entertainers, such as DJ Rogers, The Gap Band, and numerous artists under the Total Experience label. He also worked for Stevie Wonder's radio station KJLH-FM. Because of his love for music and his entrepreneurial spirit, Tony and his cousin and best friend, Terry Carter, formed TNT Productions; an entertainment promotion and artist management company.

After his music industry ventures, Tony later transitioned into the field of public transportation. He worked in the areas of welding and mechanics for various public transportation companies; ultimately retiring from Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 2009. A man who wasn't content in the role of retirement, he later returned to work part-time as a mechanic for Coach Retrofit, Inc.

Tony loved to live life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling, racing motorcycles, camping, and restoring classic automobiles. Tony was also known as an avid photographer who could always be found taking pictures of friends and patrons at local Los Angeles venues including Little J's. Most of all, Tony's greatest joy was entertaining and spending time with family, friends, and the Camping Crew Connection.

Tony was blessed and proud of his baby girl Joy and sons Lamont and Jamaal. Tony was a loving, kind father who was always there for his children. He taught them the importance of hard work, to accept others without trying to change them, to find the good in everyone, and to be true to themselves.

In 1992, Tony met the love of his life, Felicia; however he was not ready for her yet. After 13 years of wooing Felicia, she agreed to a date. A year and a half later, Tony and Felicia were married on June 25, 2005….finally. Known as the "Traveling Mayes," Tony and Felicia were always on the go and always together. Theirs was a love that was made in heaven; a love and understanding that we all hope to have at least once in a life time.

Tony departed this life on Friday, September 28, 2012. He has gone to God's beautiful house where his beloved grandparents and brother, Charles Knox, welcomed him with open arms.

Tony is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Felicia Mayes; mother, Mary Morris; father, E.B. Mayes; three children, Joy Collins, Lamont Tinsley, and Jamaal Thomas; grandchildren, Kelvin, Kiara, and Kristian; brothers, Leon "Tiggy" Hall, Jeffrey Hall, and Earl Knox; sisters, Donna Haynes, Leondra Maxey, and "Girl Toni" Castillo; cousin and best friend, Terry Carter; and a host of his favorite family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA.