River Scott May

River Scott May, 26, of Mt. Sidney, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Born January 24, 1999, in Harrisonburg, he was the son of Tessy Jane May-Avey, and her husband, Robert Avey, and the late Kevin Lyn "Johnny" May. River attended Fort Defiance High School. He had most recently been employed with Edwards Paving Contractors. River will be remembered as being full of joy and love for his family and friends. His laughter and smile were contagious, and he always wanted everyone to have fun. He was an amazing father, and his greatest joy was found in spending time with his son, Oliver. He had a passion for all things outdoors including riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers; hunting and fishing and being on the water. His family will always remember his ability to fix anything and recycle what he could not. River fought hard to overcome many struggles including addiction and spent numerous nights helping others who were struggling. His children were instrumental in him turning his life around and his greatest joy was being a father. Along with his children, River held a special place in his heart for his mom, Tessy. River knew how much she cared for him and he loved and appreciated her more than anyone else. Knowing how proud she was of him meant the world to him. He loved hanging out with her and making her laugh. River's daddy always used to say, "Don't let anyone steal your joy." This was a principle that River lived to the fullest. He always kept his joy and wasn't afraid to share it with others. He shared a quote from Jim Rohn that the family feels encompassed his joy. "Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it's something you design for the present." He lived every moment in the present trying to find his happiness and share it with others. Surviving, in addition to his mother and step father, are his son, Oliver Cole Smith; sister, Chianne May-Bennett and husband, Colby and their children, Holden and Georgia; brother, Cody Smith and his daughter, Zoey; brothers, Alek Avey and Jacob Avey; grandmother, Elizabeth Fink; aunt, Tonya Reedy and her sons, Seth and Luke; uncle, Tracy Smith and wife, Valerie and their children, Regal, Dakota and Falon; uncle, Timothy Smith and wife, Laura and their children, Autumn, Summer and Wyatt; uncle, Kasey Fink and wife, Rachel and their children, Lillian and Collin, and cousins, Gabriel O'Roark and Jaiden Lambert. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends. In addition to his father, River was preceded in death by his daughter, Averianna Nicole May; aunt, Jody Fink; great-grandmother, Evelyn Smith, and great-uncle, Perry Smith. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Interment will be private at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the funeral home.