Lt. Col. John (Jack) William May USAF (Ret), 82, of Denver NC, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. He was born on February 2, 1938 in New York City, NY at the Misericordia Hospital to the late Peter and Helen (Murphy) May. He was survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sharon May.
Jack served in the US Air Force for 37 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He was a graduate of the University of Wyoming and Georgia Institute of Technology. He retired in Nags Head, NC and was an active and faithful member in his community and his church, Holy Redeemer by the Sea. Jack was an active man that ran several marathons, enjoyed lounging at the beach, boogie boarding, bowling and doing many other activities with his kids and grandkids. He also volunteered and scuba-dived at the Roanoke Island Aquarium for over 10 years. He was particularly grounded in his faith and he sang Hallelujah when he passed. Jack was the rock of his family and took great pride in his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife Sharon; his kids Jackie Atkinson and her husband, Jimmy of Bowie, MD, Sharilyn Cook and her husband Chris of Owings, MD, Jay Wismer and his wife Tonya of Port St Lucie, FL and Lloyd Wismer of Kimball, NE; his two grandkids who he raised Sarah Weatherly and her husband Matthew of Concord, NC and Jay Wismer of Columbia, SC; his grandchildren Andrew Rickers, Michael Atkinson, Mary & Nicholas Cook, Taylor Wismer, Kyle & Corey Peach, Michael, Emma & Rebekah Sposato and one great granddaughter, Katherine Weatherly. He is also survived by his sister Rees Klemish and his nephew David Klemish and his wife Agnes.
He is predeceased by his parents and his lifelong friend, Jack Gibson of North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Funeral service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of the Hospice of Charlotte Region and Kim Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to ZERO – The End of Prostrate Cancer or in his honor to the foundation of your choice.
So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing, he was a wonderful brother in law. So fortunate to have gotten to know him. You are in our prayers. Kathy and Steve Desellem
Jack you will be missed by Eric and I. You were definitely part of our family. Sitting here thinking about all the fun family vacations , Holidays , family gatherings and special occasions that brought our family together. We will watch over and keep in contact with the love of your life Sharon for you..Hugs and prayers to you and your family.. Miss you . Leslie and Eric Weatherly
So many memories of Jack! The fun we had at FFHS wrestling and watching him dive at the Aquarium! A cherished member of Holy Redeemer and the Knights of Columbus! Many many beach stories to tell! Our love and prayers to Sharon,Jay and Sarah. May Jack Rest In Peace in the arms of the Lord.
Sharon:
On behalf of the Knights of Columbus we want you to know that Jack, you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I work with Jack in the Knights of Columbus and was an excellent person to be with. Leo Holland
One of the greatest men I’ve ever known! Honorable, loving, generous, kind hearted, intelligent, loyal, and a true family man. You will never be forgotten! I had the privilege of knowing “Mr May” growing up in Bowie, Md with my life long and good friend Jackie May Atkinson. We shared a lot of great memories and we learned what a great man is. You are in our hearts. Thank you for your service. Love always. ~Michelle Kulp
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all those who are suffering with this loss especially at this difficult time.