Hugh D. May, Jr., age 83, of Lawrenceville, Georgia went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 30, 2018. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann May; son & daughter-in-law, Dicky and Diane May of Dacula, GA; four grandchildren, Melissa May Hudspeth (Jared) of Greenville, SC, Michael May (Taylor) of Sugar Hill, GA, Megan Farrell and Will Farrell both of Dacula, GA; two great grandchildren, Madison and Ava Grace Hudspeth; son-in-law, Vann Farrell of Dacula, GA; two sisters, Betty Sue Rhodes of Oakwood, GA and Sara Benoit of Buckhead, GA; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Mr. May was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh D. May, Sr. and Susie Maude Lockhart May; beloved daughter, Linda Katherine “Kathie May” Farrell who died in 2006.
Hugh May was born in Sandersville, Georgia, on December 28, 1935. He was a 1954 graduate of Sandersville High School where he participated in basketball, football and track. Mr. May attended Middle Georgia College from 1954 to 1956 and received a B.S. Degree in Education from Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, TN in 1958. He received a Master Degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He started his educational career in Cartersville working there for two years moving on to Sandersville for eight years and then to Winder as an Assistant Principal for two years before starting his outstanding service as Principal in the Gwinnett County Public Schools. Mr. May took on the task of opening J.G. Dyer Elementary School and served as Principal there from 1970-1979. He then opened R.D. Head Elementary School serving as Principal from 1979-1984. He then took on the task of opening G.H. Hopkins Elementary School in Lilburn serving there as Principal from 1984 to 1988. In 1988, Mr. May left Hopkins to open a record-breaking fourth school, Cedar Hill Elementary School in Lawrenceville. Principal May retired in 1992, after providing the diverse student population in the Gwinnett County Public Schools a quality education, helping each student reach their individual potential. Hugh and Barbara May were members at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church where they enjoyed the friendships of their church family, especially the Joy Sunday School Class. Mr. May was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He will be remember for his outgoing personality, his love of playing tennis, traveling and being with his wonderful family.
Mr. May touched so many lives through his dedication to the students he was honored to serve as well as his community.
The Service to Honor and Celebrate the Life of Hugh May will be held Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Stephen Walters and Rev. Jared Evans officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church with interment to follow at Gwinnett Memorial Park. Members of the Joy Sunday School Class are asked to serve as the Honorary Escort. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Those desiring may make donations to the Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church in memory of Hugh D. May, Jr. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company,” Lawrenceville Chapel 770-963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
This is a courtesy announcement of May & Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville, Georgia.