Johnny and Judy 
What do Alabama, Russia, Merle Haggard, and church have in common? The answer: Johnny Mays, council member from Dos Palos and a Director on the Merced County Association of Government.
Johnny has a fascinating life story. Born in Russelville, Alabama, Johnny first came to California in 1962, prior to heading for Viet Nam. Four years later, he took up his dream to be a professional singer and musician.
Johnny plays guitar, mandolin, and the piano. He had some success, a couple of records, and finished his singing career performing in the road show of famous country singer Merle Haggard.
Then his life took a major turn in 1973. “I discovered the Bible
and received my call to the ministry,” he explains. Johnny’s ministry
covered 39 nations in the pas
t 36 years, with a majority of the time in Russia, England, and Thailand.
During those travels, he and wife Judy had six children together, 5 boys and a girl
Music has continued to be a part of Johnny’s life, and he shares his talent on his radio shows. All times Pacific Standard Time
The Big Valley Morning Show daily 6:30 to 8:30am
Through The Bible Radio Class Monday - Friday 8am, 4pm & 11pm
The Homeward Bound Show Sunday morning 9:00am
Now Johnny has started a new venture with his friend Adam Calvert, Johnny Adams Music, a full service music store and recording studio.
“In 2005, while working in London with Russian asylum seekers, I received a call to come back to the USA and eventually to a small home missions church in Dos Palos (Valley Christian Center),” says Johnny.
Since coming to Dos Palos, a new chapter is being written in his life saga. Johnny had never been involved in public service, but thoroughly enjoys it. “One thing that surprised me was, when I hear, ‘They’ need to do something, I realized that we are the ‘they’. So, not only am I one of those who is responsible for finding a solution, but bureaucracy is a massive beast, so I’m learning how to get a task through it and watching the pros.”
As a council member, Johnny would like to adequately represent Dos Palos first to the region, taking “a more positive approach from what I’ve sensed has been an isolationist approach, having Dos Palos stay by itself. We have to help find solutions and then work for our fair share of the pie.” Johnny also appreciates being the Dos Palos representative to the Merced County Association of Government Governing Board and participating in the One Voice program, which takes issues of regional interest to legislators in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Education: http://www.ficu.edu/alumni/johnnymays.htm
Article By Candice Steelman