Dr. Ralph May, Pastor Emeritus

Dr. Ralph May, Pastor Emeritus, 85, of Morganton, NC passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He was born on January 8, 1939 in Arkansas to the late Winfred May and Flossie Stewart May. Dr. May started his pastoral duties at Riverside Baptist Church in Asheville where he served for six years. He then moved to Zion Baptist Church in Morganton where he served for twenty-seven years. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and was stationed in Germany. During his tenure at Zion Baptist he built three mission churches. He served for three years as the Chaplain at Oak Hill Fire Department and one year as Chaplain of Burke County Sheriff’s Department. He was the lead pastor during the construction of Zion Baptist Church. He spent three years as Moderator for the Catawba Valley Baptist Association. He was an honor graduate of Fruitland Baptist Institute. He was a published author of “The Great Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm“ and the song, “The Unashamed in 1995”, which was later recorded by Quinton Mills. Dr. May received Pastor Emeritus from Zion Baptist Church in 2019.

In addition to his parents, Dr. May was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry May, Walter May and Tommy May; sister, Joyce Little.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra Buckner May; son, Travis May (Leslie); daughter, Scherrie May Vicks (Randy); grandchildren, Whitney Hovater, Mackenzie Golden, Austin Worley, and Kassidy Shelton; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Carolyn May, Annette Cauthen, Patsy Jacobs, and Bessie Hampton; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, January 11, 2024 at Zion Baptist Church. The funeral will begin at 3pm in the church with Rev. Keith Rose and Jimmy Fowler officiating. There will be a memory box in the vestibule of the church. If you have a special memory you would like to share with the family, please bring the note and place it there.

Military honors will be provided by the US Air Force and the Caldwell County Veteran Honor Guard.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.