Dr. Horace L. May of Newton completed his earthly journey on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, when he died peaceably at home under the gentle watch, care and love of his family. He was 98 years old, born on Dec. 21, 1922. Dr. May and his wife, Chloie, moved to Newton in 1949.
Horace is survived by his five children, son- Bob (Jeanne) of New Orleans, La., daughter- Bonnie Coleman (Vincent) of Ridgeland, daughter- Beverly Block (Bruce) of Brandon, son- Bill May (Brett) of Brandon and daughter- Brookes Eiler (Jim) of Irving, Texas. Horace has 14 grandchildren, Candi May Mangelsdorf (Tom), Brian May, Brookes May (Jake), Tucker May, Mandy Rushing Harris, Ken Richardson, Austin Richardson, Mallory May Davis (Reid), AnnaLeigh May Minor (Henry), Natalie May (Ryan), David Eiler (Melissa), Erin Eiler (Ben), Paul Eiler (Kelsie) and John Patrick Eiler; 12 great grandchildren: Chloie Mangelsdorf, Meghan Mangelsdorf, William Mangelsdorf, Chase Harris, Ann Revere Davis, William Davis, Simmons Davis, Weston Minor, Lewis Minor, Sally Minor, Aria Bartlett and A. J. Eiler. He is also survived by his precious dog, Vaught.
Horace and his wife, Chloie, spent 65 years demonstrating great love and adoration for each other. Chloie succumbed to cancer in 2011. Her last words to him were “kiss me again.” He joyfully complied.
Today, one finds many lovely flower bearing trees along roads and intersections in and around Newton. Horace May played a major role in beautification projects that will enhance the natural appeal of this community for generations to come.
Horace made a difference when he cared for the well-being of our country by flying 35 missions over Germany during World War II. He was 22. He expressed his great faith, as a regular member of the First Baptist Church of Newton. All five of his children were baptized there. He helped people see better by practicing Optometry in East Mississippi for 45 years before retiring in 1989.
Horace’s unswerving love for God, his family, his community and his friends made him a special person, one with a rich sense of humor and a single minded purpose of getting things done. He will be long remembered.
His family wishes to acknowledge the fine people who assisted his children in allowing him to spend his final years in the family home: Thanks to Beverly Addy Sowell, Annette Ruffin, Chessie Addy, Laurie Malone, Dan Henry III, Carrie Rogers, Tammy Courtney, and Carolyn Moore, and the staffs of Southern Care and the Veteran’s Administration.
The family requests that, instead of flowers, please consider donations to the First Baptist Church of Newton or The Newton Chamber of Commerce, both favorite causes of Dr. May throughout his long lifetime.
Due to health regulations during COVID 19, private funeral services for Dr. Horace L. May were held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton with Newton County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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