Thomas Mayes was born on April 1 in Grove Oak, Alabama. Playing football and basketball at Geraldine High School and basketball at Snead State Junior College, Mayes began coaching at Grove Oak Junior High School in 1947. As a beloved coach, administrator and teacher, his record for a 30-year career was 595-229. His accomplishments include ten DeKalb County Junior High School championships, five second-place titles and no losing seasons.
