Roll Call Tribute

Richard Archer Mays, DVM 

June 28, 1939 - December 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 December 12, 2024, in Inverness, Florida. He was born on June 28, 1939, in Barbourville, Kentucky. Dr. Mays was a previous resident, business owner, and operator of 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: serving in the military, 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 US Army Veterinary Corps. He served an additional two years at Ft. 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 US 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, Boerne TX, a racehorse breeding farm and clinic that he operated with his step-daughter Kelly Heltzel for the later 20 years.

Richard started racing his own horses in the 70’s and continued through retirement. He owned, and 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 S.A.TX for twenty years. He was most impressed with the preaching of both John Hagee and his son Matthew. 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 FL.

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; children: Suzan Mays Bippert (Darryl), James Scott Mays DPM (Orla), John C. Heltzel (Thao), Kelly Heltzel, Christopher Heltzel (Victoria Nagel), grandchildren: Eric and Joshua Bippert, Kaylee, Logan and Peyton Mays, Carley and Christopher Perez, Riley Heltzel, Sophia and Chloe Heltzel, sister Sally Anne Mays Anderson, niece Stephanie Anderson Harrison (Jeff), nephew Stewart Anderson (FI Lizzy Reyna), great nephew and niece Grant and Kate Harrison, and cousin Kenneth Mays (Alyssa)

Richard is predeceased by his parents Anne Stewart Archer Mays and Col. Reavus C. Mays, daughter Dorthy Lynn Mays Kleck, infant son Joseph Everett Mays, 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 on February 24, 2025, at 10:00 am, Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery, Pavilion #4, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, S.A. TX 78209, for the Honors Ceremony, Lunch following at 11:00 am with the Aggies, at Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave, San Antonio TX, 78213, Followed by Richard’s memorial service from 1:30-2:30 pm.