Jimmy May, 85 of Gadsden, passed away 18 February 2022 just 3 days after his precious wife and love of his life Shelby succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday February 22, 2022 at Crestwood Funeral Home. Boyd Brooks and Billy Hayes will be officiating.

Jimmy was an incredible man who lived an amazing life that most never knew about. He was a quiet, unassuming and reserved man who avoided the spot light. His ingenuity was phenomenal and he seldom bought a thing if he could make it.

Jimmy fell in love with Shelby as a boy when he saw her playing softball at the old Dwight playground, describing her to his older sister, Jeanie, as the "cutest thing he'd ever seen."

Jimmy and Shelby married in 1955 after graduating high school. He served in the United States Air Force and went on to obtain a business degree from Jacksonville State University. Jimmy built their dream home where they lived for decades surrounded by fruit and nut trees, blueberry bushes and ornamental shrubs and trees of all kinds, most of which he grafted himself. He was a superior athlete participating in 10ks, marathons and triathlons around the state. He developed a love for beekeeping and taught the craft to others who aspired to do the same.

Jimmy retired from Republic Steel where he was a production planner and was a fixture at the Gadsden YMCA for many years working the front desk in the mornings and swimming and spinning.

Shelby, by example, led Jimmy to Christ and as an adult and a father of teenagers, he obeyed the Gospel. He attended Sansom Avenue church of Christ and later Fairview Road church of Christ.

He is preceded in death by his precious wife Shelby. He is also preceded by his parents James Albert And Elva May, sisters Louise Noles , Elizabeth Short, Christine Cornutt, Ramona Patterson and brother Larry May. He is survived by his children Darryl (Christy) May, Southside, Gina May (George Edlund) Knoxville Tennessee, grandchildren Gage Smith, Leesburg and Jamie Gartman, Gadsden, Sister Jeanie Wallace, Attalla, and a host of nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his beekeeping friend Tammy Gregory and a number of running and swimming mates. He also leaves behind his church family and waits for them with his beloved Shelby.

Honorary pallbearers are the men of the Fairview Road church of Christ.
Much gratitude to Susan Gladden, James Bowen, John Bowen, Tommy and Ann Willingham, RN Tyler Pence and Amedisys Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Childhaven Children's Home in Cullman, Alabama.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning and lasting until the time of service.