Brad E. May, 71, of Canton, PA passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 4, 2016 at Hershey Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer.
Bradley Eugene, "Brad" to family and friends, was born on February 2, 1945 in Troy, the son of the late
C. Eugene and M. Marie (Wright) May. Brad was a member of Canton High School's graduating class of 1962.He then earned a degree from Williamsport Technical Institute of Business in 1963 before beginning a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. A proud patriot, Brad traveled around the world and earned the rank of SK-1 (E-6).He served during Vietnam and was on active duty during Desert Storm.
After his military retirement, Brad worked for the U.S. Postal Service until 2007.On August 9, 1992, he married the former Sharon Kay Bump in Grover.
While growing up on his family's farm near LeRoy, Brad became a life-long farmer at heart.He was a member of the Grover Church of Christ.In 1984 he served as a Past Master of the Canton Free & Accepted Masons Lodge No. 415.Brad also was a member of Canton's American Legion Post 303.
One could usually find Brad on the Jackson Farm working on his land.His other interests included growing crops (especially pumpkins), tending large gardens and woodworking.He and Sharon loved to travel; they visited all 50 states and cruised extensively through the Caribbean, Mexico, South America and Canada.
Surviving is Sharon, his wife of 26 years, children; Byron (Linda) May of Brick, NJ, Boyd (Julie) May of Canton, Debra (Donnie) Sharp of Granville Summit, John (Jeanette) Walters of Canton, Kevin Walters of Seymour, TN, Michele (Tony) Caprella of Dacula, GA and C.J. (Rebecca) Walters of Canton, 13 grandchildren; Brandon, Halley, Cayenne, Savina, Olivia, Alayna, Gavin, Logan,Hannah, Emily, Jackson, Caitlyn and Morgan, siblings; Barbara (Dale) Machmer and Beverly Griffin all of Canton, Brent (Pat) May of Granville Summit and Walter Beers of Troy,
Several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Brad was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Gary Griffin.
Family invites friends to call 6 – 8 p.m. Friday with Masonic Services held at 6 p.m. at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton and also at the Grover Church of Christ on Saturday from 2 – 3 p.m.Rev. Will Strunk will officiate the funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, followed by burial in Windfall Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
Those who wish may consider a donation in Brad's name to either Canton F & AM, Lodge No. 415 c/o 410 Canale Ln. Canton, PA 17724 or to the Grover Church of Christ, P.O. Box 139 Grover, PA 17735.