Vernon May, age 95, of US 60 East, Morehead, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Vernon was born on June 20, 1929, in Rowan County, a son of the late Henry and Jessie Johnson May.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Hershel May, James May, Samuel E. May, Murl May, George May, Fred Puckett, Jerry May, and Arlie Sherman May; sister Janice Parker; infant daughter Roxie Joy May, and son-in-law Dennis Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Rosella Lyons May, whom he married April 4, 1959.  (Vernon saw Rosella at church and told his mom he saw the girl he was going to marry. Four years later they were married and enjoyed 65 years together.)  In addition to Rosella, he is survived by son Vernon Mitchell May of Lawrenceburg; daughter Sheryl (Roger) Utterback of Clearfield; daughter Lisa Wilson of Morehead; grandson Tanner (Brittany) Utterback of Clearfield; granddaughter Lindsey Wilson of Morehead; great grandson Easton Utterback; brothers  Lansford (Georgia) May and John May, both of Morehead and Tony Puckett of Union City, Indiana; sisters Eulalia Blevins and Alice Raikes, both of Morehead, in addition to many nieces nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Vernon went home praising the Lord until the very end of his earthly journey. He humbly served the Lord as Pastor of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Morehead.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Soldier Masonic Lodge #708.  He was a U.S. Army veteran having proudly served his country as a Corporal during the Korean War.  Very well known in the community, Vernon was an employee of Ray's Saveway, Hecks, and Big Lots.  At the age of 82, he retired from Big Lots in 2011, leaving a job he enjoyed every day and his many co-workers and customers he considered family.  He loved nature and the beauty of the outdoors and in his younger days, Vernon enjoyed coon hunting.  Never meeting a stranger, he enjoyed time with family and friends and looked forward to hosting an annual reunion at his home for more than 40 years.  Always loving and fiercely proud and supportive of his family, attending every event of his grandchildren was a priority.  He will be remembered always and greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Bodie Stevens and Arvil Allen officiating.  Burial will follow in the May Family Cemetery with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post 126.

Pallbearers:  Tanner Utterback, Mike Thomas, Roger Utterback, George Freeman, Gardner May, John May II, and Nathan May.  Honorary pallbearers:  Larry Moore, John May, Lansford May, Dewayne May, Tony Puckett, Michael May, and JR May.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View video tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com