Walter Huff Mays Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Huff Mays Jr. “Rusty”, who left this world on January 16, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on January 6, 1947, in Savannah, GA, Walter lived a life full of passion, adventure, and service.

Rusty was a proud Navy veteran who bravely served during the Vietnam War, exemplifying the courage and dedication for which he was known throughout his life. After his service, his spirit of camaraderie shone brightly during his years as a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 242, Serving a term as Post Commander. And as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4222, where he also served proudly as the Commander of the East St Mary Veterans Funeral Squad.

He became a lifelong boat captain, navigating the waters and sharing tales of adventure from offshore work that began at the tender age of 7 working the shrimp boats with his Daddy. He worked for several companies in and around South Louisiana, spending the last several years with Tidewater Inc. working internationally, allowing his love of the sea to shape his career.

Beyond the waves, Rusty was a motorcycle enthusiast, he and several friends formed a chapter of The Facawees Motorcycle Club in Morgan City. He spent many years enjoying his love of riding and freedom with his Brothers. He continued to enjoy the wind in his hair in later years participating in rides and adventures with his American Legion Rider buddies. He also enjoyed working on and riding around in vintage Hotrods, including his 53’ Chevy C-10, his 74’ Chevy Malibu, and his 53’ Pontiac.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Deysi Pilar Perero-Bolanos Mays; six children, Phoebe Perault and husband Mike, Katy Gilmore and husband Dennis Jr., Timothy Mays and wife Lilah, Harold Camejo, Lillian Mays, Sheyla Panezo-Perero; Grandchildren, Dylan Whittington, Erik Gilmore, Elyas Gilmore and wife Denise, Miles Perault; great-grandson, Dylan Erskine; siblings, Tina Billiot and husband Rudy Sr., Shirlene Talamo and husband David, Bobby Sampey and wife Jewel, Michael Sampey; and the mother of his oldest children, Donna Montgomery Mays.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Huff Mays Sr., and Ava Marie Hardaway Weaver; two siblings, Doris Mays and James “Jimmy” Porter Mays III and wife Nina; grandson, Isaac Gilmore; great-grandson, Ezekiel Gilmore.

Memorial/Celebration of Life services will be held February 28th, at The VFW Hall in Morgan City, LA. 1504 Sandra St, Morgan City, La 70380 at 2:00 followed by a meal. All are welcome.