Ralph Ray “Bob” May, Sr., 86, of Hemphill, Texas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in Beaumont, Texas surrounded by loved ones.
Bob was born on April 8, 1938 in Oskaloosa, Kansas to parents John M. May, Sr. and Vera R. Stephens May. Born the 8th of eleven children, and the youngest boy, he learned early on about the value of family and hard work – values he carried throughout his life and instilled in his own children.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Rene’ May and his cherished son, Chad Duaine May. He was also proceeded in death by his siblings Vernon May, John May, Wilma Shepard, Melba May, Donna Courter, Dorothy Courter, Ruth Nading, and Mildred Morris.
Bob was raised in rural northeast Kansas and attended school in Eudora until his enlistment in the United States Air Force in March of 1956, he was discharged honorably in March of 1960. Bob spent much of his working career as a heavy equipment operator – an occupation he enjoyed. Some people like fast cars, Bob liked tractors. In the summer of 1980 Bob and his wife moved to Groves, Texas for work. Following their retirement, they spent several years selling a variety of goods at their store, “Groves Mercantile” and at flea markets and fairs throughout the area.
Bob will best be remembered for his quick wit, larger than life personality and constant shenanigans – all of which made him a favorite of all who knew and loved him. Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Lanie and Wally Brown, and his son and daughter-in-law Hoss and Kristal May. Bob was affectionately knows as “Boo” by his eight grandchildren: Catie (Rick) Shafer, Laura Brown, John (Candace) Brown, Hostin (Pearl) May, Tristan May, Brodey May, Savannah (Ari) Paskell and Marshall (Kelli) Hughes; and nineteen great grandchildren: Rhys Howeth, Isaiah Shafer, Asher Shafer, Brooke “Gracie” Brown, Paxton James, Marshall Shafer, Jocelyn James, Lilli Brown, Kaiden Brown, Makynlie Jones, Charlotte Shafer, Aubrielle Jones, Max Shafer, Alton Brown, Stefan Brown, Joyner Shafer, Ford Shafer, Caroline Paskell, and Annie Paskell; as well as two great-great grandchildren Phoebe Howeth and Greyson Howeth. Bob is also survived by his brother Chuck May, sister Mera Mize, chosen brother Jose Fuentes, many friends and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pall bearers will be John Brown, Hostin May, Tristan May, Rick Shafer, Ari Paskell, and Pat New. Honorary pall bearers are Brodey May and Jose Fuentes.
His children would like to thank Harbor Home Health for their many years of care and Harbor Hospice House for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided their dad in his final days. They also wish to thank Bro. Jeff Bell, Southeast Texas Hospice Chaplain and Bro. JR McDonald of Fairdale Baptist Church for their thoughtful, spiritual counseling and for officiating his services.
In memory of our father, memorial contributions may be made to the Harbor Foundation, P.O. Box 21463, Beaumont, Texas 77720-1463 or Southeast Texas Hospice, 912 W Cherry, Orange, Texas 77630.
A visitation will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 at 1:00 P.M followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 P.M at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 12:00 P.M at Mount Sinai Cemetery, located at Farm to Market Rd. 3315 Hemphill, TX. 75948.
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