Roy May, Jr.

Judge Roy May, a devoted Christian and family man, entered his heavenly home Tuesday morning, Oct. 29, 2014 joining his son, Jon Dee May. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m Saturday, Nov. 1 at First Baptist Church of Brenham with Pastor Ross Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Judge May was born June 7, 1941 in Port Arthur, Texas to Roy and Margie May. He attended Port Arthur area schools and Lamar College in Beaumont, Texas. On June 16, 1962 Roy married Janice Carlson at First Baptist Church in DeQuincy, La. They were married over 52 years. The many family and friends who knew them recognized that this was a rare marriage that many couples ever have. Roy and Janice enjoy telling the story that in June 1961, the first day they met it was love at first sight. The grandchildren smiled but knowing them, knew it was true. They were each other''s best friend and loved spending time together traveling and just being at home. Their two great-grandsons were such a joy to them. They had just purchased a second home south of Dallas to spend more time with the great-grandsons and their family. He had an early love for radio and started working on-air at KPAC Radio in Port Arthur, Texas at the young age of 13 years old. This love continued into his adult years where he was fortunate to own and operate several radio stations. Judge May and Janice owned and operated KULF Radio for 13 years. In 1973, Judge May was asked by Gov. Briscoe to become an assistant in the Governor''s Office in Austin. After the establishment of an early Runaway Hot Line, Judge May was appointed as executive director of which he developed into the National Runaway Hot Line. He served as assistant director of the Governor''s Office of Volunteer Services and a member of the Governor''s Criminal Justice Division. On Aug. 2, 1996 Judge May was appointed unanimously by the Washington County Commissioners Court as the Justice of the Peace. A man perfectly suited and dedicated with heart and soul for the title. He held the highest of moral character and values. He answered his calling proudly and had a dedication and sensitivity for his position which he served his constituents for over 18 years. During this time he was recognized as being among the best educated and most knowledgeable Justices of the Peace in Texas by the College of Justice Court Judges. He established the first Truancy Court in Washington County. He felt very strongly about young people and it was his desire to help every student return to school and receive an education. He was a charter member of the Washington County Bail Bond Board organized in 1999. He was serving at the present time as its chairman. Judge May believed in doing his civic duty and leading by example. Locally, he served as past president of the Brenham Noon Lions Club, past vice-president and director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Washington County Republican Club. He was also a member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, the Texas Justice of the Peace and Constables Association, the Texas Justice Court Judge Association and graduate of special course of the National Mass Fatalities Institute, and a member of the College of Justice Court Judges. Judge May was a devout Christian man who believed in showing his love of God by living his life as an example. His family was the most important part of his life on this earth. He and Janice had two sons and all his free time was spent with his family. He enjoyed coaching his sons in Little League and also umpiring games. They had three grandchildren who from the beginning were the light of their life. Then next to come were two great-grandchildren, two little boys 4 years old and 6 months old. Thomas and Poppy were inseparable and, when together, there was no age difference. Our grandchildren commented he was still teaching them things. We know he will guide and watch over us all. Survivors include his wife, Janice of Brenham; son Andy May of Brenham; grandchildren, Amanda Frey and husband Billy of Red Oak, Chelsea May and Andrew May of Brenham; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Alexander of Red Oak; sister Cheryl Webb of Mauriceville, sister-in-law Paula Franks and husband Jerry of Natchitoches. He was preceded in death by son, Jon Dee May, and his sister, Maureen May. Pallbears are William R. Hicks, Constable Nelson Zibilski, Jerry Franks, Marshall Harrod, Ruben Najera, Judge Douglas Zwiener, Michael Byrd, Arthur Hahn, John Winklemann, Judge John Towslee, Larry Arnie and Kevin Fishbeck. Honorary pallbearers are Judge Harold Towslee, Charles Sebesta, Ben Flencher, Ned Butler, Carlos Estrada and Franklin Goerlitz. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Funeral arrangements for Judge Roy May are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit http://www.memorialoakschapel.com/.