Birth date: Apr 24, 1963 Death date: Jul 26, 2022
Jerry W. May, 59, loving husband and father passed away July 26, 2022. Jerry was born on April 24, 1963 in Sandersville, Georgia. Jerry and Jan moved to Lakeland in 1993 where they made a home and raised their children, Olivia an Read Obituary
Coach May was one of the first real positive coaching influences in high school. He taught us to work hard, play for each other, and to be leaders on and off the field. He was a fun and funny guy always smiling and in turn making others smile easily. He was a great person and one who's impact will remain ever present in my life.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with each of you as you navigate this journey ahead. God is always in control and he will never leave you nor forsake you. May you receive peace in knowing that he is dancing on the streets of gold with God The Father and that we all too may join him one day in Heaven. Love & Blessings, The Vliet Family
Jerry was a great coach , but an even better mentor off the field . Between teaching me the quadratic formula and telling me my assignments on the field ,or even just talking about our personal lives , he was always positive and relentless in what he did . Coach May stepped up along with the other coaches as father figures after my dad had passed away in 2019. In the midst of the pandemic he also allowed me to cut his grass for money as there weren´t really any jobs hiring at the time , that shows how much he cared about his players outside of football . I´m thankful for all the lessons you taught me , all the laughs we had and mostly being a part of your life as you were a part in mine. I love you coach , thanks for everything!!
Jan, Olivia, Walker, and all Jerry's family;
I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss and I can’t imagine how much you are grieved by his passing. Please know that Cheryl, Beth, and I share your grief and pray for the Peace that passes all understanding for you all. I know you will be reunited with him in our Savior and His Kingdom.
I met Jerry in the late summer, just a month or so of 41 years ago, when we were both freshmen football players at Davidson. We were big goofy kids back then, but we grew up together during the our 4 years together at Davidson. We became fraternity brothers in Phi Delta Theta together that next spring, and our bond of brotherhood was forged through the sweat, blood, and struggle on the practice field and in the classroom. The Phi Delt house was a place for us to unwind and relax and to refine the fellowship of our brotherhood. We became brothers in a way that transcends time and distance. I treasured the times our families were able to spend together when my daughter Beth and Olivia and Walker were young but as years passed, we let that connection lapse. I’m glad to have re-connected with Jerry over the last couple of years, over the phone, zoom, and email & texts; despite the intervening years we were able to pick up just as we had been, comfortable in the bond we forged many years ago.
In the end I want you to know that I loved Jerry, counted him among my closest friends. I so admired that he was a teacher and Coach and I can see the impact he had by the loving remembrances shared here by the folks whose life he touched.I am proud to have been his friend. He was and will always be my brother in the bond. I wanted to share an essay written several years ago by one of our Phi Delt brothers, Bill McFadyen. Bill shared his words again with us on a group email today as we all struggled to come to grips with the loss of our brother.
https://www.cityviewnc.com/2021/04/21/life-behind-the-earthen-dam/
Ben Pope
Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Stacer & Pam Helton, Sandersville, GA
Coach May helped me in the classroom and in life. He was a great football coach with an even greater passion to guide and teach young men how to be adults. I’ll never forget coach may, thank you coach.
I met him before our children were in school when our families did Indian Guides together. His wife Jan was my youngest teacher in 5th grade and Olivia was in her class. Later, I was privileged to teach with Jerry at GJ where I taught Walker in APES. After Walker graduated we often spoke of how he was doing in college. Great guy! If I recall correctly, he left a promising career in business to become a teacher and coach. He wanted to make an impact on kids - and reading some of the comments his former students/athletes have left - he accomplished that goal. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Jan, Olivia and Walker and to the rest of his GJ family!
Jerry was everything the rest of us tried to be; intelligent, funny, a great athlete and a natural leader. He made it look effortless. I hope time and faith heal your pain.
Jerry and Jan were a remarkable couple—giving witness of a Godly marriage and Christ-centered family. He has left a far-reaching legacy of loving others and leading young people to Christ. We are praying for you, Jan, Olivia and Walker. Our hearts hurt with you. ❤️🙏
