WALTER RICHARD MAY

Walter Richard May, named after his father’s uncle, was born in his parents’ home on July 31, 1937, to the late James Flournoy Shannon and Arcenia Morrissette May.  He attended Wendell Phillips Elementary School and R.T. Coles Vocational School, ultimately receiving his diploma from Manual Vocational School.  At a young age, he married the love of his life, Margaret Joyce Caldwell May, and was married for 62 years.  To this union, four sons were born:  Walter Richard May Jr., Alan Vincent May, Harrison Caldwell May, and James Floyd May. Walter was a loving and devoted husband.  He and his wife, Margaret, worked closely together as the Owners of Margaret’s Finest Bar B Q from 1981-1989. Also they worked closely together with the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council for several years.  Additionally, Walter was an exceptional father.  He was actively involved in their education, and was particularly proud to serve as President of the Southeast Booster Club from 1971-1979 and President of the Southeast Athletic Association.  He also served as Scout Master for the Boy Scout Troop located on 59th and Swope Parkway and later managed the renovation of the Scout Cabin at that location. 

Being very industrious in his varied careers, Walter began working at the tender age of eight for Barker’s Market, progressing from sacking groceries to delivering groceries.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force and earned the status of Special Weapons Instructor.  Later he worked at Bendix Corporation for 28 years, achieving a Supervisory position.  After his retirement, he managed the Security Guard Staff at Gateway Computers for five years, then served for fourteen years as the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council Facility Maintenance /Home Repair Program Manager, retiring in December 2017.  Walter departed this earthly life on May 3, 2019 and entered into his eternal rest.  He was predeceased by five of his siblings:  Arcenia May, Rosetta May Campbell (John Campbell), Vivian May Carlock (Ray Carlock), James Everett May, and Eugene May, and his two sons, Walter Richard May, Jr., and James Floyd May.  He leaves to lovingly cherish his memory: His wife, Margaret May; two sons, Alan Vincent May, Harrison Caldwell May; one brother, Floyd May, one sister, Barbara May Wade, nine grandchildren: Anjale’ Welton, Courtney D. May Hawkins (Claude), Candice Joy-Marie May Freeman (Shaine Freeman), Kirsten Lynn May, Harrison Caldwell May II, Walter Richard May III (Karlynnta), Steven Christopher May, Alan Vincent May II (Amy), and James Floyd May II; nine great-grandchildren and an expected great grandchild due to be born this year; a God child, Appeals Court Judge Lisa White Hardwick, and a host of relatives and friends.  Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Visitation 11:00 A.M. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery.

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