Colonel Richard T. May, United States Army, (Retired), 59, passed away peacefully on Dec. 18, 2009, at his home in Sharpsburg, Ga., surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Harold and Rosemary May, on Nov. 21, 1950. Growing up in Terre Haute, Ind., Rick graduated from Garfield High School and Indiana State University with a bachelor of science degree in geology. At ISU, Rick joined ROTC and after graduation in 1973 was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army Reserve. Rick attended graduate school at Oklahoma State University. He then began his career as a geologist with Bendix Company in New Mexico. Rick also worked for Getty Oil and Texaco Oil Company. In 1988, Rick returned to active duty in the Army as a professor of military science at Michigan Technological University’s ROTC program. While serving in the Army, Rick was stationed in South America, Korea and Egypt. Col. May retired from the Army in 2003, after completing an assignment as the assistant corps engineer, 420th Engineer Brigade/DSCENG, III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. Rich will always be rememberd by his troops as a leader who led by example with tenacity and honor.

Rick’s greatest joy his entire life was always the love and pride he had for his family and the closeness they have always shared. His legacy of life will forever be remembered by his wife of 36 years, Debbie; two children, Matthew May and Shelby (Jeff) Felmet of Sharpsburg. His four grandchildren, Tyler and Ian Felmet and Carter and Garrett May, will miss their grandpa, his famous rides in the golf cart, his never-ending projects and his love of country. Survivors also include his sisters, Patricia (Robert) Stout, Virginia (Rick) Chastain all of Indiana; brother-in-law, William Goeble of New Hampshire; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Barbara Goebel.

The family will receive friends at Higgins Hillcrest Chapel Funeral, in Newnan, Ga., beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009. Graveside funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Irving Moody officiating. Pallbearers will be Matthew May, Jeff Felmet, Danny Scholz, Robert Stout, Bill Danforth, and Rick White.