Emory Douglas May, 84, passed away on December 4, 2020 at Heritage Inn Nursing Home in Sandersville.

Emory attended Commercial High School in Savannah. Emory worked for many years in the fertilizer production business with Southern Nitrogen, Kaiser, and Arcadian. He also worked for a time with Strickland's funeral home and Savannah Cocoa.

After retirement, Emory devoted himself to his family as a husband, father and grandfather. Emory loved the outdoors and woodworking. He often made furniture and woodcrafts for his family. Above all, Emory was a devoted husband and grandfather. He loved camping with family and friends. Though Emory loved the outdoors, camping was more about fellowship with close friends and family than about the outdoors.

Emory married Bobbie Jean Sessions and the two enjoyed 52 years together as husband and wife. Emory loved his family. After he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2011, Bobbie cared for Emory and kept him at home until her own health no longer allowed her to care for him. Bobbie and Emory had one child, Tony Allen May who was showered with love and attention as they would later love their grandchildren, Taylor, Nicholas and Ethan. Emory had a son Michael Shannon, from his marriage to Cecelia Doyle from Screven County and a granddaughter, Heather Shannon who is Mike's daughter.

Emory had no greater joy than spending time with his family. Whether it was a camping trip to Clark Hill or a ball game at the recreation department, Emory drew strength and joy from spending time with his children and grandchildren. Emory was a devout believer in Jesus Christ having been a baptized believer. He was a member of the Rincon First Baptist Church.

Emory is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Jean Sessions May, father, Walter Stanford May. of Guyton, his mother Arline Jeanette Hinely of Savannah, his brother Hugh Stafford May, and his sister Doris Jeanette Ard. He is survived by sons, Tony Allen May (Jennifer) of Sandersville, Georgia, and Michael Shannon of Cookeville, Tennessee, grandchildren Ethan, Nicholas, Taylor and Heather. Brothers, William Marion May and James Walton May (Marie) as well as many nieces and nephews and beloved friends Melissa "Missy" Griffis and Linda Turner.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Heritage Inn of Sandersville and Tina with Advantage Health for the love and care shown to Emory May. The love shown to Emory and the family was something special and we recognize it and appreciate all that you did for our loved one.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and funeral services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Strickland's Funeral Home and interment will be at the Rincon Cemetery.

All CDC and social distancing guidelines will be in place and will limit the number of people in the building at any given time.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421