Bert May July 08, 1940 – March 11, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Mr. Bert Deems May, Sr., 78, of Balsam Drive, died Monday, March 11 at his home after an extended illness. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Monday, March 18 at Grace Episcopal Church, where he was a member, by the Rev. M. Alton Plummer.
A private inurnment will be held in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following the service. Mr. May was born July 8, 1940 in Wayne County to Deems May and Janet Martin May.
He graduated Mt. Olive High School in 1958, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended NC State on a football scholarship.
He moved to Lexington in 1963 and became the first full-time Parks and Recreation director for the City of Lexington. There, he met his wife Carol of 53 years. During his time as Parks and Rec director, he was instrumental in the development of Finch Park.
In 1973, Bert entered into heavy equipment sales, eventually opening an office in uptown Lexington where he was seen walking daily throughout town for many, many years. In 1997, he founded May Heavy Equipment with his son, Jacob, and was active in the growth of the business up until his illness last spring. Bert enjoyed coaching his sons in football and basketball and watching the Yellow Jackets on Friday nights in Philpott Memorial Stadium.
He played tennis, golf and enjoyed bird hunting. Known for a having a big heart, he was very giving to many charities and causes. He was very active in the community and at Grace Episcopal Church.
He was a man of few words and expressions unless he was asked about his grandkids of whom he was so very proud. Bert will ultimately be remembered for his unwavering love, support, and caregiving of his wife Carol. For over 27 of the 53 years of marriage, Carol has been physically handicapped and has required assistance for basic daily functions.
Bert never complained, questioned his faith, or wallowed in self-pity. When asked how he handled everything, he would simply respond “you play the hand you’re dealt”. He was loved and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Myers May of the home; his sons, Bert Deems May, Jr. and wife, Susan W. May, of Charlotte and Jacob Shuford May of Lexington; his sister, Ann May Blanton, of Mt. Olive; his grandchildren, Lindsay-Catherine Shuford May, 19, of Chapel Hill, NC , Bert Deems May III, 15, of Charlotte, Jacob Shuford May, Jr, 13, of Lexington and Emerson Nguyen May, 11, of Lexington. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Charles and Julia England Foundation, PO Box 23, Lexington, NC 27293 or www.
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