Obituary: The Rev. Dr. Henry May Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Henry May, Jr., age 87, entered the more immediate presence of the Savior Friday, Oct. 18, 2019.

Henry was born in Forsyth County, N.C., the son of H. E. May, Sr. and Martha Todd May.  He graduated from Clemmons High School, and married Bobby Jean Brown in December 1951.  After working for the Western Electric Company in Winston-Salem, N.C., Henry prepared for ordained ministry.  He received a BA degree from Moravian College, an M. Div. degree from Moravian Theological Seminary, and later a Th.M. from Duke University School of Divinity, and a D. Min. from Southeastern Theological Seminary.

Henry was ordained a deacon June 23, 1963 and consecrated a presbyter April 25, 1971 with the Rt. Rev. Hebert Spaugh as officiating bishop for both.  His 33 years of active ministry included pastorates at Bethesda, Park Road, Trinity, Calvary, New Philadelphia, Little Church on the Lane (Charlotte, N.C.), and again at Trinity.  He also provided leadership within the Southern Province, including two terms as a Provincial Elders’ Conference member, and with community groups and ministries in the places he served.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Jean May, his son; John May, and his grandsons; John Henry May and Christopher David Sidden. He is survived by his sister, Joan Cress; three children, Elmon May Sr, Peter T. May, Mary M Sidden (Chris Sidden); seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A private graveside service was held October 21, 2019 at Yadkin Memorial Gardens, Yadkinville, N.C. with the Rev. Chris Thore officiating.