Wilbur Ray May Sr.

Wilbur Ray May Sr., 75, of Gordonsville has finished his journey here on earth and went to be with his lord on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 .

He was born April 16, 1932 in McGaheysville and was a son of the late John Reuben May and Eda Florence Lam May.

He graduated from McGaheysville High School, served his country in the United States Air Force stationed in Japan from 1952 until 1956, retired from the Research Labs of engineering at the University of Virginia with 32 years of service and was a member of the Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Gordonsville. He loved the outdoors, reading, cooking and gardening.

Mr. May is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara McInturff May of Gordonsville; one daughter, Lucinda G. Woodson and her husband, Purcell, of Gordonsville; two sons, Wilbert Ray May Jr. and his wife, Wanda, and Michael D. May and his wife, Teresa, all of Gordonsville; three sisters, Eunice M. Rexrode of Harrisonburg, Evangeline M. Monger of McGaheysville and Reba M. Stroop and her husband, Arthur, of McGaheysville; seven grandchildren, Thomas P. Woodson, Joseph S. Woodson, Melinda M. Cowgill and her husband, Eugene, Wilbur R. May III, Jennifer M. May, Michelle A. May and Rebecca L. May; two great-grandchildren, Diamond V. May, Nutayla U. Fleming; and a neice, nephew, numerous counsins, other relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cassandra M. Keys, granddaughter, Cera Nicole Woodson and a sister, Alva Katherine May.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of the Piedmont for their loving care during the family's time of need and also to Dr. Christina DeVincentis and Donna, Dr. Robert Pritchett and all of the nurses that assisted with the care given to their loved one.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2008, at the Mechanicsville Baptist Church in Gordonsville with interment at Maplewood Cemetery. The Reverend Dr. Don Reid will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2008, at the Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Gordonsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Baptist Church Building Fund, 10200 Louisa Road, Gordonsville, VA 22942; or to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 2200 Old Ivy Rd., Suite 2, Charlottesville, VA 22903;