Ralph Douglas May

Ralph Douglas May, 74, of Kernersville passed away September 28, 2026. He was born October 10, 1951, in Niskayuna, NY to the late George Walter May and Virginia (Wernlund) May. He married his wife, Maria (Lola) Aurora May of 50 years, on June 19, 1976.

Ralph grew up in Connecticut, attended American International College in Springfield Massachusetts, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1973. During his career he worked at Pfizer Chemical Division, Morflex Chemical, IRIX and GE Healthcare. Ralph developed and controlled analytical testing, worked on several patents and was awarded 3, helped to develop new products and file EPA registrations, and helped to implement both EPA and FDA Regulations.

Volunteering was very important to Ralph. Not only did it help others, but it provided value to his life. He spent much of his life volunteering with the Boy Scouts as well as volunteering with other various organizations and donating blood. He was a member of and provided leadership to the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Quality.

Ralph was a lifelong fitness enthusiast, regularly running, biking, walking and swimming, even running a marathon before he turned 50. He could often be found hiking and listening to the sounds of nature all over the Piedmont of North Carolina.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and two children: Kelly May Suttles (John, Claire, Ella) and Brian May (Renee, George, Lyla); his brother and sister: Duncan May and Pam May; and his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bruce May.

The family will receive friends at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home, 213 W. Mountain St Kernersville NC 27284 from 12:00PM-12:30PM on Monday, October 5, 2026. A memorial service celebrating Ralphs's life will follow at 12:30PM. Interment will be at 1:00PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church Cemetery, 616 S Cherry St, Kernersville, NC 27284 with a reception following in Salesian Hall.

The family would like to thank the staff from Brookdale Memory Care and Hospice of the Piedmont for the wonderful care they provided for Ralph.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 940, Main Street Methodist Church, 306 S Main St, Kernersville NC 27284.

If you are unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking "Here".