Claude Alexander May

Born March 7, 1917 in Forest, he was the son of the late Joseph Robert and Lillie Terrell May and was also preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters. As a lifelong member of Sandy Bottom Christian Church, Claude took the gospel message seriously by living it out and instilling the biblical principles in his children, to the fourth generation. During his forty-two year career with Price & Clements, he was well known as a skilled welder and fabricator in the greater Lynchburg area. He taught his children and grandchildren to enjoy the outdoors by gardening and hunting and fishing trips, then would share his bounty with many others. He was a U.S. Marine Corp. veteran where he proudly served his country during World War II.

Mr. May exemplified a servant’s heart by numerous acts of kindness for the church, neighbors, and community. Everyone he encountered was dealt with honesty, treating them with dignity and respect. Conversations were filled with quick wit, a sense of humor or a riddle to solve. We will continue to tell stories of a by-gone era, his life and personal cherished memories until he greets each of us with a hug at heaven’s door.

In addition to his wife, Mr. May is survived by two sons, Joseph E. “Joey” May and wife Linda and Mark E. May and wife Susan, both of Madison Heights; one daughter, Laura M. Lease of Gig Harbor, WA; one brother, A. Scott May of Bridgewater; six grandchildren, Randy May, Paul May, Corina Shipp, Aaron Lease, Sarah Konyndyk, and Nathan May and two great-grandchildren, Kayla Donald and Kyle May.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with the Rev. Jim Freeman officiating. Interment with military honors by American Legion Post 16 will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2013 at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Sandy Bottom Christian Church Bus Fund Raiser.