John Henry May

John Henry May, 92, of Pittsboro, NC passed away on June 26th, 2026 at his home. He was a life long resident of Pittsboro. John was born November 16, 1933 to George Wesley May, Sr, and Myrtle Lavenia Crutchfield May.

John was a versatile athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball in high school. John graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1952.

In 1955, as John was preparing to leave the next day for the Army, he went to a dance where he met Annie Lillian Wilson. He asked if he could write to her. Two years later, they walked down the aisle. John served in the US Army as a PFC from 1955-1957, in the Army National Guard from 1957-1959, and in the Reserves until 1961. After his military service John worked at Townsend Poultry Plant, where he retired in 1996.

John fell in love with horses at an early age. He was last surviving charter member of the Old Timers Horse Club, which was established in 1966, serving as treasurer and cook for many years. He enjoyed riding and camping in Uwharrie National Forest for over 50 years. He passed his love for horses to his son Mike, and his niece, Taylor May Knight.

John enjoyed farming and gardening. He sold his produce to the local Piggly Wiggly. He was especially proud of his sweet cantaloupes.

John was a member of Pittsboro Baptist Church and the Council of Aging. John and Annie enjoyed traveling on bus tours and cruises. He was a permanent fixture in the bleachers at his grandson Dalton’s ball games, no matter the weather or the drive, from little league to travel ball to college.

John is survived by: his daughter, Audrey Diane May Braswell (Danny) of Pittsboro; grandsons Dalton Lee Brown (Brianna) of Pittsboro and Spencer Kirk Braswell (Tamera) of Pleasant Garden, NC; his great-grandchildren Nash Kennedy Shortt, Jovi Lee Brown, River Anderson Brown, and Emberly Elizabeth Braswell; sister-in-law Nancy P. May of Raleigh, NC; nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle May; wife Annie Wilson May; son John Michael May; brothers George Wesley May, Jr, and Frank Gilmore May (Nancy).

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, from 3pm to 4pm at Pittsboro Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4pm with Pastor Peter McDonald presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UNC Hospice P.O. Box 1077 Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the May family.