(1944 – 2023)
William (Bill) Donald Mayfield graduated with honors in 1966, from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering. He received his Masters of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Mississippi State University in 1970.
Bill began his career in 1966 as USDA research engineer at the Cotton Ginning Laboratory in Stoneville MS. In 1971, he joined the staff of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University as State Specialist in Farm Machinery including cotton and ginning. In 1975, he received the “Governor’s Award for Air Pollution Control” in recognition of his interest, involvement and active support for air pollution control programs relating to cotton gins. Bill was honored in 1977, with the national Aerovent Young Extension Man Award for American Society of Agricultural Engineers. This is awarded annually to one outstanding extension service agricultural engineer under the age of 40 in the United States.
Bill became the National Program Leader for Cotton with the USDA Extension Service in Memphis, TN from 1981 until his retirement in 1999. He was instrumental as one of the original organizers in the establishment of the national cotton ginner schools in the US in 1985 and received the National Cotton Ginners’ Distinguished Service Award in 1990.
Bill’s passion for cotton culminated in his co-authored book Who Invented the Cotton Gin. The Mayfield Cotton Engineering Award is funded by proceeds from his trade publications. This is given annually by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers in recognition of outstanding engineering contributions.
He was a passionate of dove, duck, pheasant, and quail. He traveled many miles to take part in those activities. He was an avid fisherman and held the (undocumented) record of having caught more fish with Zebco reels than anyone.
Bill received numerous awards and recognition for his work in agriculture, but his greatest achievements was working with family and the community in Hardeman County and the Memphis area. He was mayor of Silverton, TN organizing town festivals and improving the parks and fire department.
Bill’s kindness and generosity with time, service and support to his family, friends and community members were matched only by his love for farming, hunting, fishing. He had a prolific gift as family storyteller and the Silerton town historian. And all the town’s people agree, he grew the best tomatoes this side of the Mississipppi.
In recognition of his years of service, the name William (Bill) D. Mayfield is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number 675
