Jerald "Jerry" May

Jerald “Jerry” Dewey May

October 15, 1935 – September 29, 2026

Jerald “Jerry” Dewey May, of Clarkston, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at the age of 90. Born October 15, 1935, in a one-room house in Hoxie, Arkansas to William Dewey and Daisy May, Jerry entered the world in a time and place where poverty was common, but tenacity was essential. When he was still an infant, he traveled north with his parents and four sisters — Geraldine Hazel, Violet Imogene, Patsy Ruth, and Mary Alice — in an open-air car that looked remarkably like the one from The Beverly Hillbillies television program, as part of the great southern migration that reshaped Pontiac and much of industrial Michigan.

The May family settled on Luther Street in Pontiac, in a home filled with activity, music, the steady flow of visiting relatives, and the deep love of his mother, Daisy. Pontiac became the place where Jerry grew into himself — and where he met the love of his life, Glenda Jo Fisher. They first crossed paths at the Fourth of July fireworks at Oakland Park, across from Pontiac Motor. From that night forward, the sparks never stopped, and together they raised five children. Their partnership lasted more than seventy years, grounded in devotion, humor, and the kind of loyalty that becomes a family’s foundation.

Jerry excelled from an early age and graduated from the General Motors Apprentice Program, beginning a long and respected career as a quality control engineer. The automotive and truck manufacturing industry was not only the backbone of Michigan — it was the backbone of Jerry’s life, shaping his work ethic, his pride, and the opportunities he created for his family.

Living in the new and exciting lake-culture neighborhood of Lake Oakland Heights, Jerry experienced the swinging ’60s and the modern ’70s in a community full of energy and change. During those years he developed a lifelong love of golf.

Jerry also loved cars — passionately and throughout his life. He owned a 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Speedster, three 1970s Trans Ams, three Corvettes, and many others over the decades. His enthusiasm for engines, design, and the open road was a defining part of who he was.

In 1978, Jerry and Glenda moved to Waterford Hill Manor, where they found their forever home. It became the place they cherished most, and they remained there for the rest of their lives, surrounded by family, memories, and the quiet stability they built together.

Early retirement brought Jerry and Glenda a new kind of joy — the windfall of time, freedom, and adventure. They traveled throughout Europe, embraced a vibrant Southwest lifestyle in Fountain Hills, Arizona, and eventually built their own lake house in Gaylord, Michigan, creating yet another haven filled with beauty, family gatherings, and the peace of the outdoors. He pursued sailing as a post-retirement passion — spending time training on Lake St. Clair, enjoying the freedom and rhythm of the water.

Jerry and his beloved black lab, Sport, went on long runs together for many years — a daily ritual filled with companionship and joy. Later, his next lab, Buddy, joined him for slightly shorter walks, but with just as much enthusiasm and devotion. His dogs were not just pets; they were loyal friends who shared the rhythm of his days and the warmth of his life.

It was a remarkable rise from the one-room house where his mother could feed the chickens through the floorboards to a full life spent traveling the world and living a charmed, hard- earned life. Ever the achiever, Jerry at 90 became the longest-lived male in his direct line — a span reaching back to their arrival in the Virginia Colony in 1640. Well done, Dad.

He was the devoted husband of Glenda; father of Cynthia Louise, Gerald William (John Lotardo) May, James Richard May, John Andrew May, and Matthew Glenn (Beck) May. He was the proud grandfather of Amanda Lynne Turner, Chris Ford, Matthew Nicolas May, and Joshua Maxxwell May; great-grandfather of Sabrina Danielle Van Buren and Daniel Christopher Van Buren; and second great-grandfather of Sophie and Adelaide. He is also survived by his sister, Miriam “Skippy” Bawabe, whose presence and humor were cherished parts of Jerry’s life.

Jerry embraced life with energy and curiosity. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, motorcross, marathon running, sailing, and traveling — pursuits that reflected his discipline, enthusiasm, and zest for the outdoors. His presence was steady, reassuring, and deeply loved.

Arrangements entrusted to Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. Private services will be held. Interment at The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford.

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