Mr. Julius Gene May

Julius Gene May passed away peacefully on August 15th, 2025, surrounded by his family in
Marietta, Georgia. He was born to the late Mr. Johnnie May and Dilsie Armstrong on June 18th ,
1932, in Patsburg, Alabama. In 1952, after graduating from high school, Julius enlisted in the
United States Army, where he would serve for twenty-one years. During his time in the US
Army, he was deployed to both Vietnam and Korean Wars to fight for his country, where he
earned military honors such as the Bronze Star Medal, Armed Expeditionary Medal, the Good
Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1973, he
retired from the U.S Military from Fort Bragg, North Carolina as 1 ST Sergeant with the rank E-8.
He furthered his education by attending Clark University in Atlanta, Georgia and obtained a
degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo College.

In 1967, Julius’ life forever changed when he met his soulmate Mary Alice Lake at Fort Jackson
military base in South Carolina, where they later united in holy matrimony on July 23 rd , 1969.
After retiring from the U.S. military in August 1973, he continued supporting his country by
working as a Distribution Manager for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) in
Atlanta, Georgia, with his last assignment being in Giessen, Germany, where he earned yet
another retirement. Following retirement, Julius and Mary traveled the country and embarked
upon many adventures together, especially attending many family reunions. They were blessed
to be married for 56 glorious years and raise four children together. Now, he will peacefully rest
where the love story officially began, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

During his lifetime, Julius took pleasure in various hobbies. He absolutely loved to fish and
always took the family to Lake Allatoona in Georgia. His favorite pastime also included
watching baseball and football. He made no secret that his favorite teams were the Atlanta
Braves and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. For years, Julius and Mary took the annual trip to New
Orleans to enjoy the rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. Julius was
a very skilled and competitive card player and loved playing games of gin rummy, spades, and
especially bid whist with family and friends. He also enjoyed playing board games especially the
game of “Monopoly” where he always took the opportunity to teach his children about real estate
property and financial lessons. Most importantly, he enjoyed traveling and going to family
gatherings.

Julius had a strong and quiet presence. His smile and laughter were contagious to everyone who
knew him. He raised his children and grandchildren with a firm but loving hand by always
teaching morals and ethics. He is remembered for his gentle strength, kindness, love and
devotion to family, and the values he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and future
generations.
In addition to his parents, Julius was preceded in death by his son, Terry M. May; seven sisters,
Alberta Wilson, Eleanor Olive, Mollie Stanford, Susie May, Dilsie Thomas, Bernice May Jones
and Annie Louise May Allen; five brothers, Johnnie May, Jr., Booker T. Williams, Lemar May
(Ann), Willie George May and Jimmie R. May; a sister-in-law, Willie Mae Melvin; and a
brother-in-law, Ronald K. Brooks.

Julius is survived by his wife Mary of 56 years and his children Bridgitte R. Collie (Stephen),
Chicago, IL, Reginald May (Courtney), Canton, GA, and Marcus G. May (Annissia), Marietta,
GA; his grandchildren include Shanna Brown (Chris), Columbia, SC, Breyon Sweeting, Atlanta,
GA; Alexis B. May, Atlanta, GA, Reginald May, Jr., Atlanta, GA, Corde' May (Ruby), of
Colorado, and Adam May, Opole, Poland; great-grandchildren include Nalani May, Reginald
Cameron Xavier Julius May, Chase May, Josiah May, & Lapria May, and Eliah Sweeting; two
loving sisters, Laura Johnson, Luverne, AL and Daisie Sewell (Freddie), Troy, AL;
sister/brother-in-law include, Willodene Lake Blanding, Columbia, SC, George W. Lake
(Cynthia), Columbia, SC, Vivian Lake Brooks, Inglewood, CA, and Anthony Lake (Rendella),
Columbia, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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