June 28, 1939 Dec. 12, 2024

It is with deep sorrow, tempered with joy for a life lived to the fullest, that we announce the passing of Dr. Richard Archer Mays, on Dec. 12, 2024, in Inverness, Florida.

He was born June 28, 1939, in Barbourville, Kentucky. Dr. Mays was a previous resident, business owner and operator for nearly 50 years of Key to the Hills Farm and Equine Veterinary Clinic in Boerne, Texas.

Richard was the cherished husband of Carol Heltzel Mays, with whom he shared a loving, adventurous and spirited life for the last 22 years, referring to her as his angel and “the love of my life.”

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and Texas Aggie.

As a young boy, Richard traveled with his father’s military career, which included several years in Japan, and eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1957 with two passions: military service and his love of horses.

Texas A&M Veterinary School of Medicine was a perfect fit for his career goals. He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in 1961. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M Veterinary School of Medicine in 1963.

Richard served in the Corps of Cadets and was a commissioned first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. He served an additional two years at Fort Jackson Army Base, South Carolina, as assistant station, then interim station veterinarian until discharge in 1965, earning the rank of captain.

Richard’s service is commemorated on the Walk of Honor at Veterans Plaza, Boerne, Texas.

“My vocation is my advocation,” Richard would say. Proud highlights of his veterinary and horse racing career include: the San Antonio Texas Zoo during the TB outbreak at Monkey Island, Loop 410 Veterinary Clinic, Texas State Commissioned veterinarian, veterinarian to: the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Olympic Team equestrian division, Russell Equestrian Center, Asmussen Training Center, Laredo, Cates Standardbred Stable, the San Antonio Rodeo, Heather Drinane Cutters, Dan Pish Racing, and Ed Cruz Thoroughbred Racing.

Mid-career he was in partnership with friends, George Wolff and O’Neal Munn in Tres Amigos Racing.

In 1977 he established his beloved private practice Key to the Hills Farm and Equine Veterinary Clinic in Boerne, a racehorse breeding farm and clinic that he operated with his stepdaughter Kelly Heltzel for the later 20 years.

Richard started racing his own horses in the ‘70s and continued through retirement. He owned or bred over 250 first-place winners in his career.

Through his ownership and racing of thoroughbreds, he was one of few veterinarians who invested in and gave back to the horse racing industry.

Richard was a loyal, passionate, and outspoken advocate for Texas Horse Racing. During his career, he was president of the Veterinary Medical Association of Bexar County ‘72-’73, a lifetime member of the AAEP, honor roll member of AVMA, a member of The Texas Thoroughbred Association, a Founding member of TEVA and a proud member of San Antonio Texas A&M Club.

Richard was a man of faith and a devout Christian, attending Cornerstone Church-John Hagee Ministries in San Antonio for 20 years. Richard loved to sing and would sing with the car radio and the singers on his computer.

But his favorite was singing hymns at church. More recently through retirement, he and his wife attended Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church in Inverness, Florida.

Richard’s light will continue to shine in the hearts and minds of those he touched and who loved him. Richard had a full and fulfilling life. He had it all.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Carol Ann Mays; five children, Suzan Mays (Darry) Bippert, James Scott (Orla) Mays, John C. (Thao) Heltzel, Kelly Heltzel, Christopher (and Victoria Nagel) Heltzel; 10 grandchildren: Eric and Joshua Bippert, Kaylee, Logan and Peyton Mays, Carley and Christopher Perez, Riley Heltzel, Sophia and Chloe Heltzel; one sister, Sally Anne Mays Anderson; one niece, Stephanie Anderson (Jeff) Harrison; one nephew, Stewart Anderson; great nephew and niece Grant and Kate Harrison, and cousin, Kenneth (Alyssa) Mays.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, Anne Stewart Archer Mays and Col. Reavus C. Mays; daughter, Dorthy Lynn Mays Kleck; and infant son, Joseph Everett Mays. Also, a best friend, O’Neal Munn Jr.; and loyal companion and riding buddy of 12 years, Australian Shepherd-Red Ryder 08/28/24.

Please join us at 10 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2025, at Fort Sam Houston Cemetary, Pavilion No. 4, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road in San Antonio, for the Honors Ceremony, with lunch following at 11 a.m. with the Aggies, at Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave., San Antonio, Followed by Richard’s memorial service from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

(If you plan to attend the lunch, please text your name to 210912-8111 by Feb. 12.)