Charles R. May

Charles Robert May, 85, of Nicholasville, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 27, 1940, in Perryville, KY, Charles was the beloved and only son of Jessie Harmon May and Garnett May. From humble beginnings, he built a remarkable life defined by hard work, integrity, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army before going on to build a successful career as a Civilian Engineer with the Blue Grass Army Depot. He embodied what many would call the American story — a self-made man who came from very little, worked tirelessly, and ensured that his family always felt safe, supported, and deeply loved.

He shared nearly 60 devoted years of marriage with the love of his life, Jane Smith May. Their 60th wedding anniversary would have been celebrated on November 12, 2026. Together they built a beautiful life centered around family, loyalty, and quiet joy. In retirement, Charles and Jane spent much of their time in Florida with dear friends at Paradise Park, traveling, dining out, and finally enjoying the rewards of a lifetime of sacrifice and hard work.

Charles found peace and happiness in the outdoors he loved so dearly. He loved fishing, spending time on the lake, and taking family vacations to state parks where he could immerse himself in nature. Some of his family’s fondest memories include long car rides soundtracked by endless loops of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits and Bluegrass music — much to the dismay of his daughters when they were young. Those songs, once playfully endured, became part of the soundtrack of a deeply loved life.

His favorite place in the world was often much simpler: sitting quietly on the back deck of the home and land he built, surrounded by the animals and nature he cherished. He also had a passion for cars and woodworking, and he took pride in creating and building with his hands.

Charles was known as a man of strong principles — someone you could always count on to do the right thing. He loved quietly but profoundly, showing his devotion not through grand words, but through steadfast actions, sacrifice, loyalty, and presence. He had a unique and deeply personal relationship with each of his children and grandchildren, making every person he loved feel uniquely valued, seen, and important.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Smith May; his daughters, Nancy May Sauta and Susan May Trent; his five cherished grandchildren, Macy Brianna Collins, Kaela Danielle Sauta, Aiden James Sauta, Keegan Nicholas May, and Riley Sue Trent; and his three adored great-grandchildren, Everlee Grace May, Kyah Ann May, and Kreed Nicholas May.

Above all else, Charles will be remembered as a man who made the people around him feel deeply loved. His legacy lives on not only in the life he built, but in the example he set: work hard, love deeply, protect your family, and always do the right thing.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Charles will laid to rest during a Graveside Service in the Perryville Cemetery with Military Honors at 12:00 PM Friday, May 29. “Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” Arrangements are entrusted to Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home, and we express our sincere sympathy to the May family and friends.