Louis Garris May

Published 1:03 am Friday, April 12, 2013

Louis Garris May, age 74, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, April 9, 2013 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

He was an active member of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church until his health declined. He had served as Senior Warden, Chairman of Faith Alive and Brotherhood of Saint Andrew.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Oakdale Cemetery. The Rev. Deacon Janet Rodman will officiate.

A native of Pitt County, he was the son of the late Seth Reynolds May and Doris Garris May.

Louis is survived by his wife, Eleanor Rodman May of the home. They were married May 20, 1966 at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church. He is also survived by a daughter, Camilla Rodman May, and a sister, Mary May Brown and her husband Lester Zeno Brown of Greenville and nieces, Catherine Brown Cox and husband Mike and Marilyn Brown Gibson and husband Jeff. Louis also enjoyed his two nephews, Tommy Moore and wife Susan of Rocky Mount and Roddy Moore and wife Michelle of Germany. He is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Camilla Rodman Moore.

Louis loved the Pamlico River, sailing and traveling. He spent his younger days at his family cottage at Atlantic Beach and college years on Pamlico Beach where he enjoyed boating, fishing and crabbing.

He was always a Tarheel fan having graduated in 1961 from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.S. degree in business. He attended Greenville City Schools.

In later years, Mr. May spent hours in libraries everywhere doing independent forestry research and became a forestry historian. Louis gave several talks on the John L. Roper Lumber Company, one of his favorite topics.

Mr. May retired from the lumber business in 1999, spending time at Atlantic Beach with his wife and daughter. He was a member of the Coral Bay Club until his health declined. Also, Louis served on the Board of Directors at the Bay Club.

Louis was an active member of the Pitt County American Legion. He served on the Pitt County Fair board and served as fair president. His famous band organ entertained old and young alike on the midway.

In addition to his other activities, Louis was an active member of the Salvation Army Board. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and had served as president.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church Women, P.O. Box 985, Washington, NC  27889.

The family would like to express thanks to Dr. Richard Young, Melvin Smith, Dr. Kenny Nall, Dr. Kirk Philpot and all nurses on 3^rd East. Thanks go especially to Lynn and Jennifer and Tonia Cox.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 PM on Friday April 12, 2013 at the home, located at 705 Shorewood Drive, Washington Park and following the service for a light reception at the All Saint’s Hall at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the May family.