Ray Mayo’s family spans four generations of ranching and rodeo productions. In 1915, Ray’s grandfather Bill Lyon, drove a few head of horses from Colorado to Sunset, Texas and produced what were then called Wild West shows. In 1920 he moved to Clay County, where he continued with ranching and rodeo productions.
In 1937 J. H. “Goat” Mayo, who in 2001 was also inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, began his partnership with Bill and married daughter Lorraine Lyon in 1943. Goat continued with the production of rodeos until his retirement in 1958.
Ray was raised in Petrolia, Texas and grew up helping his father with the rodeo business, and it was only natural that it also became a way of life with him. The Spike M ranch is located outside of Scotland, Texas where for many years Ray ran a cow-calf operation in addition to breeding bucking bulls. His children – who now run the ranch – complete the fourth generation of Mayos.
Ray produced some great bucking bulls over the years, and in 2008 Cactus was the top bull two nights in a row at the PBR World Cup in Chihuahua. In the 3rd round of the PBR finals in 2008, Outsider was ridden to a winning round, and in 2010 at the National Finals Rodeo Scentlok, was named top bull of the 10th round. In addition there was the bucking bull Blizzard, who throughout his PBR career maintained an 85% buck off.
In September of 2010, Ray passed away, but his influence in the ranching and rodeo business, as well as the memories of those who loved him, will live on. Ray was a kind and giving man always ready to help anyone in need, a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will live in our hearts forever.
