Harold “Tuffy” Albert Mayor III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong enthusiast of hunting, fishing, golf, anything KU, and good times, passed away on March 2, 2026.
Tuffy joins in heaven his parents, Harold “Sonny” Mayor, Jr., and his wife Norma Mayor.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 61 years, Sharon Anne Maloney (known to all as Sam), and their four children:
Tiffany and Brendan Burke, Bridgid and John Noblit, Heath and Erica Mayor, and Dylan Mayor. Tuffy was deeply loved by his ten grandchildren—Teagan Noblit, Piper Noblit, McCoy Burke, Delaney Burke, Fletcher Noblit, Henry Mayor, Wyatt Mayor, Patrick Mayor, Lyla Mayor, and Frances Mayor - who brought him immense joy.
He is also survived by his two sisters, Marcy Ramsay of Bozeman, Montana, and Lori O’Neil of Santa Rosa, California.
Born on September 12, 1944, in Wichita, Kansas, Tuffy’s passion for golf began at a young age, sparked by his father, Sonny. That love led to a Wichita city championship in 1966, a spot on the University of Kansas golf team, and continued enthusiasm to the end years—he was still jotting down post round swing thoughts at age 81! This passion has been passed down to his grandchildren, who cherished playing rounds with their beloved “PapaBear.”
It was at Wichita Country Club and high school dances in the sixties that Tuffy and Sam fell hopelessly in love. Spending only one year apart in college was enough, Sam moved from Santa Fe to Lawrence and they were married. A marriage that forged a bond that never wavered. Tuffy and Sam were aways together, and lifetime fixtures at Jayhawks basketball, football, and volleyball games. (Rock Chalk!). In all circles for over 60 years, it was always simply, “Tuffy & Sam”.
Excelling as a KU chemistry & business student then obtaining a Masters Degree at the University of Texas paved the way for a career in the family oil and lubricants business. His tremendous success running commercial lubricant companie took this young family to places like Austin, Dallas, Westport, Bartlesville, Omaha, Wichita and Boulder.
All this work culminated with being named President North America for Century Oil and Lubricants headquartered in Kansas City. While running Century, Tuffy and Sam went international. One memorable trip took the whole family on two-week European adventure highlighted by a crazy dinner in a castle and attending the Open Championship in Scotland.
His entire career, Tuffy set an example for Sam and the kids of hard work and dedication. But that did not sacrifice the good times. Whether that be skiing with his oldest, or supporting an Olympic caliber gymnast, or hunting or golfing with his sons. Tuffy always made time to support and have a good time.
For Tuffy, the good times came in many pursuits. Fishing either tarpon or bass alike, he was happy on the water. There are many of “fish tales” to count on his adventures. Yet fishing tales took a backseat to his hunting escapades. Ducks, quail, pheasants, or anything that involved his cherished hunting dogs, late night laughs and enjoying the outdoors. Tuffy passed all these passions to his offspring and countless “pals” along the way. Hunting time is where he provided his expertise about KU hoops, golf, or general life lessons amid the call of “just fifteen more minutes until the mallards come”.
Tuffy was a devoted friend and family man whose greatest joys were his wife Sam, his children, and grandchildren. We take comfort knowing he is now reunited with his parents and friends, watching over his beloved family, with KU sports on the TV, a tight fishing line, mallards cupping their wings overhead, or flushing 5 irons at the back of the range. Rest easy Tuffy, you left it all out here and those that knew you in a better place.
Memorial Information:
April 8, 2026, at Mission Hills Country Club
5400 Mission Drive, Mission Hills, KS 66208
Blessing at 2pm and Life Celebration at 2:45 - 5pm
Drinks and The Masters Fare Appetizers