Ruben “Sunny” Mays, 77, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 am September 24, 2025 at his home. He was born August 9, 1948 in Steele, Missouri to the late Ruben and Myrtle (Ganus) Mays, Sr. Ruben married Loretta (Smith) Mays on October 29, 1967 in Rockford, Illinois. They were blessed with nearly 58 years of marriage.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ruben is survived by his sons, Paul Mays of Sikeston, Missouri, Kerry Mays and wife, Jennifer of Byron, Illinois, Ruben Mays III of Sterling, Illinois, and Jason Mays of Toluca, Illinois; daughter, Renee Montgomery and husband, Mark of Rutland, Illinois; grandchildren, David Mays, Shelbi Mays, Shanye Mays, Kierstyn Mays, and Cody Montgomery and wife, Samantha; five great-grandchildren; brothers, James Mays of Rockford, Illinois and Billy Wayne Mays and wife, Sheila of Sikeston; sisters, Marilyn Johnson of Sikeston, Glenda O’Dell and husband, George of Sikeston, Carolyn Day and husband, James of Sikeston, Shirley Henry and husband, Norman of Mayfield, Kentucky, and Janet Powell and husband Patrick of Dexter, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ruben was preceded in death by five brothers.

Ruben attended First Free Will Baptist Church in Mount Vernon. He enjoyed hunting and restoring classic cars in his spare time. Ruben will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at First Free Will Baptist Church 2610 Logan Street, Mount Vernon, Illinois 62864. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm with Brother Craig Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Memorials may be made in Ruben’s honor to the First Free Will Baptist Church.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.