Ike May

aka Ike May and IW May

May 7, 1930 – April 11, 2022

Ike May passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022 in Alexander City, AL. A lifelong resident of Montgomery, he had recently resided at the VA Home there after a brief illness.

Ike was born in Montgomery in 1930 to Rev Isaac May and Myrtle Wagnon May. Their family moved to Colorado where Rev May was pastor at several churches. Rev May passed away in 1937 and the young family returned to Montgomery.

Ike graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1948 and then attended the University of Alabama on an ROTC scholarship. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity there and played on the University Golf Team. He graduated from the University of Alabama and then joined the US Army at the end of the Korean War and was stationed in Hokaido Japan. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to Montgomery and began his lifelong career at Wagnon Auto Parts.

Soon after returning to Montgomery, he was reintroduced to Jean Caro, also of Montgomery. They became engaged a year later and then married in 1955. They were married for 65 years.

Ike was predeceased by his parents and wife Jean, who passed in 2020. He is survived by his sister, Virginia Booker, his three sons, their spouses and his grandchildren – Stan May (Michael), Bruce May (Patrece) and Rob May. Ike and Jean loved their family fiercely and especially adored their grandchildren – Robert May, Alex May, Frances Jones (Andrew), Catherine May, Ryan May, Stuart May and Rebecca May and great-grandchildren (Rosaleigh Mae, Andalee Ruth and Elsie Jean Jones). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even great great nieces. The family would also like to acknowledge Joseph Bishop – longtime employee, friend and caregiver.

Ike and Jean enjoyed an active social life in Montgomery and had many friends. Their young family life included bridge clubs, house parties, and cook outs and trips to the lake and the beach. They loved to travel and drove cross country many times “camping” in their RV. They visited all 48 of the continental states as well as Mexico and Canada and twice ventured up to Alaska. Their favorite place to travel to was their “cabin” on Lake Martin. Ike was especially fond of remembering the fellowship of friends that formed the River Trip Gang.

Ike enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting as long as he was able to. He was huge fan of the University of Alabama football program and watched every game that was televised and attended as many games as they could fit into their busy schedule. As a young father and later as a grandfather he was present at every football baseball and any other ball game his kids and grandchildren played in. He was active in “Y Indian Guides,” Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with his sons.

Ike was a storyteller and enjoyed nothing better than to hold an audience captive with his lively tales that almost always were clever and funny. He enjoyed telling jokes and family anecdotes and had several on the rolodex in his head that often dated back to his childhood and referenced his grandparents, “Maudie” and “Poppa” (Wolfgang Wagnon) and Maudie’s brother “Uncle Guy” and his own “Uncle JT.” His stories were so loved and cherished that often family conversations started with “Dad (or Granddaddy), tell the one about…”

Ike and Jean were active in their churches at First United Methodist Church as a younger couple and later at Frazer United Methodist Church. They were especially proud to participate in their Sunday School programs at “The Joy Class” and “The Discovery Class.”

The family wishes to thank you for your kindness and prayers. As he supported and gave of his time and money to them, please consider making a donation to the “Roll Up Your Sleeves Ministry” administered by Frazer United Methodist Church in his name. This ministry builds wheelchair ramps and does some minor home repairs for elderly and disabled people here in Montgomery.

A visitation for Ike will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Frazer United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36117, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Services will conclude with a graveside at Greenwood Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the May family.