Paul Mayhew Jr., 69, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away at his home on May 5, 2026.

Paul was born September 30, 1956, in Follansbee, West Virginia, the son of the late Paul (Bud) Mayhew Sr. and Lucille (Sis) Stift Mayhew. From early on, Paul was deeply rooted in sports, friendships, and community. During his time at Brooke High School, he was an active presence among various sports teams—forming meaningful friendships and establishing state pole vaulting records that remained a source of pride years later.

After high school, Paul proudly joined the United States Air Force, giving him the opportunity to travel around the United States and around the world. Those experiences helped shape his life in many ways, including the friendships he gained along the journey—bonds he carried with him for years.

Later in life, Paul worked for the Wheeling Pittsburgh Corrugating. Above all, Paul was a friend to all and never met a stranger. He had a way of keeping things lively—sometimes driving people a little crazy—but he was also the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.

Paul loved being a father, and in later years he cherished his role as a Pappy. He often joked that he was surrounded by women, and that God kept sending him women. One of his greatest joys in life was being Madison’s Pappy, a role he treasured deeply.

To the Dad who was fondly named the Clark Griswald (even at the times you acted like cousin Eddie), Christmas’s were always your Disney World. The lights that covered trees, the house, and later on the porch were built with one mission in mind: to look like a strobe light—blinding and awing every onlooker all the same. The Christmas cards were where you truly shined your photography “skills,” with every detail mapped out: the poses, the background, and the at-home lighting. And the parties—those were big. Family, friends, strangers you met along the way. If they needed a place to celebrate, you made room for them. You were larger than life.

We know you’re dancing.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul William Mayhew Sr.; his mother, Lucille Mayhew; and his sisters, Ginger Debnar, Pauline Mayhew, and Mary Mayhew.

He is survived by his children, Meghan Mayhew Ruona (Jason) and Emily Mayhew; his beloved granddaughter, Madison Quarles; his sisters, Debbie Schwertfeger and Roxanne Romitti; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and lifelong friends.

Family and friends were at the very center of Paul’s life. He will be missed by many, and his memory will be cherished always.

Please feel free to join us for a Toast to Paul on Monday, May 11th between 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Model A Brewery (1175 Stonecrest Blvd., Fort Mill, SC 29708).

We will be doing a Celebration of Life in his hometown of Follansbee, WV on June 7th; additional details will be provided at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paul’s honor to HUG CLT or the Alzheimer’s Association.