NEW BERN - Cecil Dalton May, 94, died on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at his home in New Bern after a brief illness. Born on March 31, 1918, in Trenton, to Eva Collins and Dalton Carlyle May, he grew up in New Bern.
Mr. May served in the U.S. Army Air Corp, later the U.S. Air Force, from 1940 to 1948. During World War II, as a B-25 bomber pilot based in the Aleutians, he flew some of the first air raids on the main Japanese islands. Later he became an instructor pilot in the Air Force Training Command, and then served on the staff of the Tactical Air Command. After leaving the military, Mr. May graduated from Duke University and the Duke University School of Law. He was a loyal Duke alumnus and a member of the Iron Dukes for decades. He settled with his family in New Bern, where he practiced law until retiring in 1997.
He was a Commodore of the Eastern Carolina Yacht Club, and was also a Commodore of Tar Heels Afloat. He was a national vice president of the Navy League of the U.S., and a member of its national Board of Directors for more than 16 years, during which time he was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Medal. Mr. May was nominated by the Secretary of Defense to become a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA) after being asked to join the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in 1973. He remained a member of DOCA until 1987, including service as a member of its Board of Directors. Both groups are non-partisan civilian organizations directed toward the interest of national defense.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Harriet Lane Guion May; and three children, Cecelia Collins May Scott and husband Peter of Raleigh, Haywood Guion May and wife Vicky of Southwest Harbor, ME and Harriet Lane May of Raleigh. He was predeceased by two brothers, Milton Collins May of Tallahassee, Fla. and Dalton Carlyle May Jr. of Atlanta, Ga.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Bill Hawkins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Session House. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations is assisting the family.
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Dear Mrs. May I'm truly sorry for your loss. I think of you often I'll be praying for you and your family. All My love, Patricia
Patricia Pye
January 21, 2013
So sorry to here of your loss. My sister and I worked at New Bern Golf and Country Club. I thought the world of Mr.and Mrs. May. Please know he will missed dearly.
Patricia Pye
January 21, 2013
Haywood, Anna and I just got word of your Dad's passing. You had spoken about his illness to us just days before he died but I was surprised that the end was so imminent. Our thoughts are with you, your extended family and especially your Mother in these difficult times. With deepest sympathy, Bart and Anna
Bart Smith
January 7, 2013
Cece, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a fine man and an asset to all who knew him. I know he will be missed. Nancy and I have you and your family in our prayers.
Andy Thompson
January 5, 2013
Sorry to hear of Mr. Mays death, will never forgett Both you and Peter's kindiness to me at Carolina Country Club.
Lyman Chapman
January 5, 2013
Cecil was the founding President for our Coastal Carolina Council, Navy League of the United States (1 August 1966) and we shall miss him. I will attend his memorial service on 4 January. We will also note his passing in our Navy League Beacon newsletter to be published in February, 2013.
Bill Culler
Past President, Coastal Carolina Council, Navy League of the US
National Director Emeritus, Navy League of the US
January 3, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Your father appears have lived a great life and accomplished allot. I did not realized that he was a Duke law graduate after serving his country in the Air Force.
Our prayers are with you.
alan weinberg
January 3, 2013
HARRIETT,
SORRY TO READ OF THE LOSS OF YOUR SOUL MATE...MAY GOD BLESS & COMFORT YOU & YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF!!!
JO DIXON
January 3, 2013
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