Barry May

Barry May of Locust Grove, Georgia, peacefully transitioned from this life on July 19, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on January 5, 1961, in Fairfield, Alabama, Barry was the beloved son of the late Evans K. May, Sr. and Nancy Jenkins May.

Barry accepted Christ at the age of 19 and became a devoted member of the Church of Christ, where his faith and commitment to serving others became the guiding force of his life. His greatest passion was sharing the gospel and ministering to others—work that defined his calling and legacy.

From 1997 to 2002, Barry served as the Assistant Minister at the West End Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002, after recognizing a spiritual need in Henry County, Barry transitioned into full-time ministry and started a new work with the Locust Grove Church of Christ, beginning with just eight people meeting in a hotel in McDonough. Through his leadership, vision, and unwavering faith, the congregation grew both spiritually and numerically—eventually acquiring nearly 20 acres of land and launching multiple ministries both locally and throughout the Church of Christ brotherhood.

Barry served as the Senior Minister and Evangelist at Locust Grove Church of Christ from its inception in 2002 until his passing in 2025. Numerous ministers across the brotherhood were nurtured under Barry’s mentorship, many of whom now lead congregations in their respective communities—a true reflection of his commitment to equipping others for service.

Barry graduated from Parker High School in 1979 and went on to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He proudly served in the United States Navy as an Air Traffic Controller and briefly as a firefighter. After his military service, Barry worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer and later as a Human Resources Manager—a career that took him and his family to Duluth, Minnesota, before transitioning to Georgia, where he continued his professional journey in human resources within the Atlanta area.

While living in Memphis, Tennessee, Barry met the love of his life, Lisa. They were married in 1987 and built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers Reginald May, Daniel May, Glenn May, and Evans K. May, Jr.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa May; his children Keosia May, April May, and Jamaal May; and his beloved grandchildren Maverick and Jenesis. He also leaves behind his sister Anita Antiwi, sister-in-law Mattie May of Birmingham, Alabama, his uncle Morris (Beverly) Williams of Montgomery, Alabama, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends.

Outside of ministry, Barry found joy in simple pleasures—grilling, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, spending time with his grandchildren, and riding the church tractor.

Barry will be remembered for his deep faith, compassionate spirit, and tireless dedication to building God’s kingdom. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the leaders he raised up, and the church he so faithfully served.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7