Robert A. "Buddy" May

Robert (Buddy) May, 80 years old, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2018, at Hilltop Manor Nursing Home in Union, MS.  He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Ezra E. May, his wife Patsy, and siblings Lucy McDonald, Hazel Grafton, Codille Smith, Joyce Lassiter, E.J. May, James May, Raburn May, and Edward May.  He is survived by his sister Dealie Dennis, and his children Suzanne Weaver and her husband Chris Weaver, Robert May and his wife Patricia, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Buddy grew up on a farm with his nine siblings and married his high school sweetheart, Patsy on August 16, 1958.  He subsequently served in the US Air Force and after living in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Alabama, the couple settled in Newton, Mississippi and started a family.  He began working at the La-Z-Boy chair company’s Newton, MS manufacturing plant.  During this time, he worked his way up from sweeping the floor of the factory to managing the wood room operations in the Newton, MS location and later the Leland, MS location.  After 34 years with the company he retired, and the couple moved Decatur, Mississippi.

Buddy enjoyed reminiscing about his family, growing up on the farm, and telling stories from his childhood/teen years.  He had a quick wit and an infectious laugh.  He enjoyed telling funny stories, posing riddles, and teasing with people.  He had a zest for life and a positive attitude in the face of difficult times.  Buddy had a very strong work ethic and typically worked various part-time jobs during his tenure with La-Z-Boy.  He was an avid gardener and used his farming background to plant large gardens to provide fresh produce year-round; as well as raising a host of livestock that provided his family with fresh beef, pork, and poultry.

He touched our lives in a very special way and will be deeply missed.   After struggling with health issues throughout latter part of his life, he is now in a better place and free of pain and suffering.   In Revelation 21:4 we are told: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff of Hilltop Manor Nursing Home and of Sta-home Hospice for the loving care that was provided to Buddy.

There will be a memorial service at Ott and Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Forest, MS on March 17, 2018 at 10:00 am.