Edwin Walter May

He was predeceased by his wife Polly Funkhouser and his former spouse Suzanne Brown.

Edwin Walter May was born in Santa Ana California August 24, 1932 to Edna and Walter George May. His parents’ traditional Christian values and strong work ethic greatly influenced his later success as a local business owner.

He grew up on West 17th Street and attended Santa Ana High School where he was active in the orchestra and chorus. Ed earned a degree in Music studies at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA College) and discovered the L.A. southern gospel music community. These experiences ignited a lifelong love of southern gospel music.

After graduation, Ed voluntarily served in the US Navy at the El Toro Lighter Than Air Base in Tustin. He married his high school sweetheart Suzanne Brown and they lived in Orange County where together they raised two daughters and assorted cats, dogs, tortoises, rabbits, chicks, and even a turkey!

Ed was truly a self-made man. He sold Fuller Brush products door-to-door until he found work at General Tire Company cleaning the “white walls,” eventually working up to salesman, sales manager, and store manager.

With his first wife Suzanne, Ed founded May Tire Company in 1972, specializing in selling and servicing giant tires to the heavy construction industry throughout California and the Southwest.

After retiring in 2003 Ed renewed his interest in hot rods and enjoyed cruising with the South Orange County Rods & Customs Car Club. Ed and Polly embraced the South Coast life and enjoyed socializing with their friends, traveling, and entertaining.

Ed is survived by his sister Bethel Reed; daughters Deanna (Kip) Craig and Denise (Dan) Levenick; stepsons Jeff (Lori) Funkhouser, Greg (Kathy) Funkhouser, and Jim (Connie) Funkhouser; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Edwin will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Waverly Chapel, Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705. A reception will follow.