Joseph May Obituary

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived Service for Dr. Joseph M. May, age 87, of Georgetown, Louisiana will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Georgetown Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM until time of service. Joe was born June 11, 1937 in Wisner, Louisiana and went to heaven October 14, 2024. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Senior Adult Men's Sunday School Class of Georgetown Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Birdie Bennett May; his brother, John Lacy May (Jenny); his sisters, Louise May Ezell (Leo), and Marguerite May Jones ( Johnny).
Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis Maxwell May; his one son, Michael Joe May; his daughters, Sharil Annette May, and Melissa Saucier Hall ( Keith); his three grandchildren, Marie Blair Delaughter ( Kris), Jacob Cade Hall, and Cameron Joseph Hall ( Kaitlyn); his four great-grandchildren, Taylor Joseph Adams ( Mary), Alex Morgan Adams, Logan Bradley Adams, and Dawson Reed Adams; his great great grandsons, Samuel Joseph Adams, and Charter Drake Adams; his nieces, Zelma Ezell Jones, Joyce May Ward, and Janice May; his nephews, Albert and Danny Ezell; and a host of other family and friends.
He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1955; Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1959 with a BS in Math/Science Education; Northwestern State College in 1967 with an MEd in School Supervision and Administration and Mathematics; and the University of Arkansas in 1971 with an EdD (Doctorate) in School Administration.
Joe taught school in Winnfield from 1959-69; served as Research and Evaluation Specialist in Southeast Arkansas for the Arkansas State Department of Education in 1970-71, and taught at the University of Southwestern Louisiana as Assistant Professor and as Associate Professor of Education from 1971-78. During his tenure at USL he taught Procedures in Educational Research and Educational Statistics. Joe was Ad Hoc Professor at Northwestern State University and Louisiana State University during the nineties. He taught mathematics and was assistant principal at Georgetown High School from 1978-82 and was principal from 1982-86. He was principal at Grant High School from 1986-98. He retired in 1998 and taught mathematics from 1999-2003 at Georgetown. Joe also tutored many students through the years. Joe was employed in the education field for a total of 44 years.
More than his extensive degrees and work experience, his life was characterized by his intense love for, and dedication to his family. He attended every birthday party, graduation, and celebration for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. He never failed to have a supportive word or lesson to share. Though his absence leaves a devastating void in our lives, we will carry beautiful memories of him in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Georgetown Baptist Church.