Ray May, 72

Raymond T. May, 72, of Three Rivers and formerly of Gary, Ind., went to be with his Lord on April 9, 2012. He was born on Jan. 15, 1940 in East Chicago, Ind., to the parents of Louis and Louise May. He was number six of eight sons of this union. Ray was baptized at Van Buren Baptist Church. The family moved to Three Rivers in the spring of 1952 where he graduated from Mendon High School, and was united with Bethel Baptist Church in Three Rivers under Rev. Marshal N. Vaughn. After graduation Ray relocated back to Gary, Ind. where he worked for 34 years at Union Tank and Car Co. in East Chicago. He united with Koinonia Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully for 35 years. He was very passionate about the Tape Ministry. He sang in the choir and served on the Board of Trustees and anywhere else needed.

On June 4, 1965 Raymond married Betty Jane Richard. God blessed their union with three wonderful children. Upon his retirement they moved back to Three Rivers where he was united with New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Tony Bennett. Ray served faithfully until his health failed. Ray loved his family, his brothers, and serving his Lord through worship and song. He loved his annual family gatherings where he made yeast rolls and homemade ice cream.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and Louis Jr.

His legacy will live on through his loving wife of 46 years 10 months, Betty, and their children, Pamela (Lira) Melcher, Barbara (May) Combs, both of Houston, Texas, Tyrone (Maria) May of Gary, Ind.; two granddaughters, Brittany N. May of Opelika, Ala. and Breann S. May of Gary, Ind.; brothers, Joseph (Jearlean) May, John (Ellastine) May of Gary, Ind., Lonnell (Alicia) May of Three Rivers, Curtis (Bianca L.) May of Vandalia, Floyd (Ernestine) May of Las Vegas, Nev.; one sister-in-law, Nina May of Gary, Ind. and special cousins, James and Fran Beard of Paterson, N.J.; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 13 at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Three Rivers.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. (Indiana time) on Saturday, April 14 at the Koinonia Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Ind. with Rev. Lavern Swain officiating.

Interment will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery, Gary, Ind. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home and Guy and Allen Funeral Home, Gary, Ind.