Robert May
1940—2024
Robert May, 83, of Cardington, Ohio, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side.
Born Oct. 31, 1940, in Kermit, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Hubert and Margaret (Messer) May.
Robert graduated from Kermit High School and went on to forge a career as a machinist. He married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Hannah on May 9, 1964. The two raised a large family and spent 60 wonderful years together.
To cherish his memory, Robert leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Ruth Ann May; children Judy Santille, Lisa Miller, Dawnetta (Kevin) Dever, Susan (Dave) Coburn, and Darrin May; sisters Loretta Vance and Ernestine Ward; 13 grandchildren: Joshua Joseph, Jennifer Santille, Danielle Miller, Crystal Cook, Tony Miller, Jacob Santille, Andrew Dever, Kirsten Dever, Halie Mondon, Ally Coburn, Corbin May, Alana May, and Jordan May; and 10 great-grandkids.
Robert joins in rest his newborn son Robert Arland May and his parents.
He will be deeply missed.
Robert was a man among all men and touched a lot of people without having to say a lot of words. He was a man of strength and determination who chose to lead by example rather than to sell a line and deliver nothing.
Robert was respected and revered in the communities where he was involved, especially in his hometown of Kermit, West Virginia, where he helped build the Neely Branch Baptist Church. He served as a deacon for the Genoa Baptist Church in Genoa Township, Ohio. Many have remarked that Robert helped them to develop a personal relationship with God which is the highest charge Jesus calls his followers to do.
Robert never did anything halfway. He dedicated his full attention to it and eventually made his way to the forefront, calling the shots. In addition to his work ethic, Robert was easygoing and charitable with his time and possessions.
Robert loved sports, most notably softball, golf, basketball and volleyball. He first loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, then the West Virginia Mountaineers. He also was a dedicated fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds. In his earlier years, for over 30, he was a member of and ran the Southern Baptist Athletic Association. However, for the last 20 years, Robert worked for the Genoa Golf League and the Big Walnut Golf Club. By all accounts, he found his home in life among his golf buddies.
Most of all, Robert loved his family, sacrificing and dedicating much of his time to teaching them faith and values. He remained active and involved in their intramurals as well, including them in his own. Robert worked very hard to create lasting memories and an enduring love that leaves us in mourning but more so in gratitude for having had a man as great as Robert in our lives.
Under the care of Mullins Family Funeral Home, Warfield, Kentucky, a funeral ceremony will be conducted at Neely Branch Baptist Church in Kermit, West Virginia, at 11 a.m. Oct. 30. A graveside service will follow at May’s Family Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. On Sunday, Oct. 27, a ceremony was conducted in the DeVore Chapel in Sunbury, Ohio, where Dr. Wayne Booth officiated.