Robert Elmer May

Robert Elmer May, age 92, of Lancaster, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Baptist Health Lexington. He was born March 31, 1934, in Ludlow, Kentucky, to James Gilbert May and Beulah Sims May. He attended Junction City High School before serving as a mortar gunner in the 504th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the 82nd Airborne Division, “America’s Guard of Honor”. After service he worked various jobs including as a barber before working his years until retirement at Corning Glass, later North American Philips, in Danville, Kentucky. He served a brief stint at Judge of Junction City, which brought many years of “here come the judge” when entering a room of friends and coworkers. In his early years many weekends and summer days were spent enjoying time with family and friends camping, boating, and swimming at Lake Cumberland. Later, he and Georgetta would make many Christmas fruit baskets as part of their active service with the Lions Club. They spent much time gardening, of which Bob enjoyed eating most of all. Slower days until his recent illness, he appreciated recliner time with snacks at his side and especially with Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, or a sporting event playing very loudly on the television. He always wanted you to “come see him” and delighted in visits from friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ethel Abbott and Gilberta Abbott, and son Robert Franklin “little Bob” May. He is survived by wife Georgetta Fletcher May; children Todd May (Susan) and daughter Shellie Hall (Matt); grandchildren Chris May (Courtney), Levi May (Mandi), Trace May (Sierra), Jacob Hall (Gabriela), and Zachary Hall; great grandsons Kade May and Rowen May; stepchildren Jenny Wooten, Tommy Merriman (Pam), and Jamie Suter (Mark) and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1-3pm at Clark Legacy Center Brannon Crossing, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356. Interment at Bellvue Cemetery in Danville, Kentucky.

Family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Baptist Health Lexington for the compassionate care in his last days. Special thanks to Jamie, Todd, and daily caregivers for making it possible for Bob and George to be at home together until his earthly end.