Edison Donald May (known to everyone as “Ed”), 86, of White Sulphur Springs, WV, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, surrounded in love by his family.
Born on September 4, 1939, in Sutton, West Virginia, Ed was the son of Val E. and Audrey Kathleen May. He graduated from Sutton High School in 1957 and went to proudly serve in the United States Air Force. Ed worked for the federal government and retired after 31 years of dedicated service. In both careers, he was respected for his leadership, commitment, dedication and integrity.
Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. He enjoyed spending time at his camp, golfing, gardening, hunting, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, and especially spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Myrna Joy May (Coffman), formerly of Birch River, West Virginia, his children, Annette Collins (Jim Collins) and Jeffrey May; his three grandchildren, Ryan Collins (Jena), Connor Collins (Sofia) and Sean Collins (Olivia Voltaggio); his four great-grandchildren, Tensley, Brecken, Finnley and Francis; his sisters, Valeen Armstrong and Mary Brandt; and his nephew Chris May.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Freddie May; and his daughter-in-law, Alicia May.
Ed was especially known for his kindness, steady guidance, patience, and his lifelong devotion and loving care of his wife, Myrna.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at The Lewisburg Elks Country Club from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. His graveside memorial service will be scheduled in early spring, where he will be laid to rest in his family burial plots at The Flatwoods Cemetery in Ravenswood, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Urology Care Foundation.
Ed’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and staff of the University of Virginia Medical Center for their expert care over the years, and to the Peyton Hospice House for their compassionate and gentle care of Ed and the family during his peaceful transition to be with the Lord.