Charles “Charley” E. May Jr., 82, of Carterville, entered into eternal rest in the early morning Friday, June 8, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2018, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastors Todd Greiner, Cody Knapik and Russell Helton officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home with Masonic rites held at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Baptist International Ministries on behalf of Becky and Larry’s ministry in Hungary. Charley was born on April 17, 1936, in Crainville, to Charles E. and Maggie (Emery) May. In 1957, he drove to California to bring back his sweetheart, Vivian Bledsoe.
He leaves behind his partner in crime and love of his life for over 60 years, Vivian May of Carterville. He was incredibly proud of the family they created: Scott (Tracy) May of Hurst, Shannon (Susan) May of Marion and Becky (Larry) Stanton of Téglás, Hungary; grandchildren, David (Kristina) May of Cambria, Jesse (Lesa) May of Carterville, Savannah May of Hurst, Sarah (Kyle) Tyner of Carterville, Jennifer (Blake) Brachear of Paducah, Justin (Courtney) May of Carterville, Caleb (Mesha), Patrick, Ruth, Maggie and Brandy Stanton, all of Téglás, Hungary; great-grandchildren, Dax May of Columbia, Missouri, Miles May of Cambria, Mason May of Carterville, Hudson and Houston Tyner, both of Carterville, Kennedy Brachear of Paducah, and Easton May of Carterville. His older sister, Billie Gulledge of Jerseyville also survives, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Charley was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brandy Lynn May; and trio of amazing older sisters, Lucille Heck, Aldine Scott and Bernice Warren, and their spouses. He honorably served our country in the U.S. Army. Charley owned and operated May Excavating for over 30 years.
Charley and Vivian enjoyed 60 years of adventure together, riding horses, his Harley, or the snowmobiles, flying airplanes, and traveling across the USA and abroad. His favorite hobby was entertaining friends at their log “cabin” in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Perhaps you’ve been there.
He was an active member of the community and involved in several organizations. Charley was a member of Crainville Baptist Church, Past Master of the Williamson Lodge #802, Past Patron of LeRoy A Chapter #350, Order of the Eastern Star in Marion and the Electa and Ruth Chapter #379 in Murphysboro, and was past President of the Winchester Arms Collectors Association. For more information, visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com.
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