Carl Douglas (Doug) Mayes

Published in the Charlotte Observer
on 10/20/2015

December 12, 1921 - October 18, 2015

DENVER, N.C. - Carl Douglas “Doug” Mayes, 93, of Denver, N.C., passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at his residence.

Born December 12, 1921, in Westmoreland, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Joel Elijah and Bertha Lou Spears Mayes.

Doug was the first television News Anchor in Charlotte, N.C., beginning his career in 1952 with WBTV. He joined WSOC in 1982 and retired from the station in 1988. Doug continued in the Broadcasting Industry doing occasional specials upon request, including co-anchoring the WBTV News at 11 p.m. in 2013.

He was a member of Denver Masonic Lodge #757, was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite member in the Charlotte chapter, and served as Potentate of Oasis Shriners in 1976. Doug was Past Director of Royal Order of Jesters Court 109 in 1983 and was a life member of Court 109. He was an Emeritus member of the Public Relations Committee for Shriners International and was one of the first members to receive the Imperial Potentate's Award of Merit for outstanding and lasting impact on Shriners Hospital for Children and Shriners International. Doug was an Emeritus Representative for Shriners International and served as President of the South Atlantic Shrine Association from 1987-1988. He was a member of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas Hall of Fame.

Doug was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Charlotte Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2015. He was a member of the NC Broadcasters Hall of Fame, member of the Salvation Army ARC and Area Command advisory boards, where he served as membership chairman. Doug was also a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Doug was a WWII veteran having served in the US Navy. He was an accomplished musician having been taught at a young age by his father.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife Ruby Vaughn Mayes; daughter Brenda Mayes Lupino; and sisters Mabel Dodson, Elizabeth Simmons and Peg Bullington.

Doug is survived by his son Joe Mayes; granddaughter Heather Leslie Rahn; and great grandson Theo.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at Denver United Methodist Church, Denver, N.C., with Rev. Jeff Johnsen officiating.

Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery, Charlotte.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262 or The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, P O Box 5669, Charlotte NC 28299.

Condolences may be made to the Mayes family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville, N.C. is serving the Mayes family.