Philip Royce May
May 13, 1938 ~ April 20, 2014
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Finally Home.. On April 20, 2014, Philip Royce May, MMC USN (Ret), at the age of 75, went home to live forever with his Lord. He was born in Castalia, NC on May 13, 1938, to Opie Philmur and Annie Ilene May. Royce was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers: Opie, Jr., Robert Eric, Louis Cloy “L.C.”, Mickey Rogers, and Alvin Eugene May.
He leaves to cherish his love and many precious memories his wife of 47 years,
Libby Belche May; two daughters, Marcia May Mayes and husband, Tom of Willis, Texas, and Sonya May Johnson of Rocky Mount; five grandchildren: Cole Johnson, Chase Johnson, Nathan Mayes, Garrett Mayes, and Natalie Mayes; a sister, Corinne May Leonard and husband, Staley; sister-in-law, Frances Neal May; and many nieces and nephews. Royce loved his family with a deep, abiding love.
Royce loved his Lord supremely and served him faithfully, not only in his church, Cornerstone Independent Baptist Church, but also in his daily life. He loved his family; he loved people; he loved his yard, his flowers, and birds.
MMC May served in the US Navy for 20 years, 16 of those years at sea. He served on Landing Ship Docks (LSDs) home-ported in San Diego, California and numerous destroyers home-ported in Norfolk, Virginia. He made many deployments around the world and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.
Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1976, Royce moved his wife and two small daughters back to North Carolina and made their home in the Oak Level Community. After moving to North Carolina, he worked as a letter carrier with the Rocky Mount Post Office and retired from the post office in 1992. After retirement, Royce continued to work hard, continued to love and care for his family and his home, and continued to serve his Lord with all his heart.
The family will receive friends at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, on April 22, 2014, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, and at other times at the home. A service celebrating Royces home-going will be held at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home on April 23, 2014, at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville, NC. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations can be made to Cornerstone Independent Baptist Church, 1481 Beechwood Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. You may share your memories and condolences by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Tuesday 4/22, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 4/23, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Forest Hill Cemetery
350 North 1st Street, Ext.
Nashville, NC 27856
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
sorry for your loss,may the Lord grant you peace.
Dear May family, I am so sorry for your great loss, and am praying for your familyAsking God to shower your hearts with peace. Having lost my own father on April 10, I feel your pain intensely. Pray that 1 Thessalonians 413 will be a comfort to you. We as Christians do not mourn as those who have no hope. For now, you must be very lonely, but you will see your PRECIOUS husband, father, and grandfather again..Such a WONDERFUL gift from the Lord. Linda Tatko (friend of Marci)
Philip May will be missed. His joyful smile and his joy for life will be missed. I pray that the Lord will put his loving arms around his family and comfort them during this time. Remember that you will see Philip again in heaven. Bless you, Julie Fowler
Mrs. May and Sonia, We were sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. May. I know yall will surely miss him. We are praying for all of your family. Love, Jeff and Teresa Godwin
Our prayers are with the Royce Family. Susan and I enjoyed knowing Royce when we were members at Cornerstone. Family commitments prevent us from attending the visitation or funeral, but we will be praying for you and we know God has promised that one day we as saved Christians will all see each other in our eternal home with the Lord. In Christian Love, Dan & Susan Boykin, Bailey NC
Sonya & Boys, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. May the Lord bring you peace during this time. Lynn & Doug Daniels
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember his sunset on earth, meant a sunrise in Heaven. May God grant you strength and comfort.
Lit a candle in memory of Philip Royce May
May your memories give you smiles, Your faith gives you strength. (John 1125) Jesus said I am the resurrection & the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life. What a wonderful hope we have been given.