David Bruce (Dave) May Sr., a beloved longtime resident of Port St. Joe, Florida, died peacefully on January 3, 2025, after a life well-lived. Over a span of 92 years, he was a loving son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who touched so many people with his wisdom, patience, integrity, wit, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. He was a Christian and member of the First Methodist Church.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern at the First Methodist Church in Port St. Joe. Prior to the funeral, the family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Dave was born on October 9, 1932, in Tonawanda, New York to Harvey and Bessie May. He was one of eight children: an older brother (Harvey) and six sisters (Marjorie, Mary, Vivian, Madalyn, Bessie, and Joan), all now predeceased.

After Betty Otto died in 1998, Dave was blessed to find love and companionship again with Marjorie McArthur Shivers whom he married. He was a loving and devoted husband to Marjorie, and she was a loving and devoted wife to him. They had a great life together travelling around the world, and dancing at the Thirsty Goat, the Haughty Heron and wherever else there was live music. Simply put, Marjorie made David happy; and, she and her family took special care of him as his health began to fail.

His devotion to his family was evident in all he did, and his legacy of loyalty, patience, good manners, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He exemplified the Marine motto Semper Fidelis and was truly an officer and a gentleman in every sense of those words.

Dave is survived by his wife, Marjorie; son Bruce (wife Joan); son Andy (wife Maritza), son Dusty (wife Carla); grandson David Bruce May III, PhD (Knoxville, Tn); granddaughter Susan May Hildebrand and husband Drew (Tallahassee, Fl.); granddaughter Georgia Presley May (Atlanta); granddaughter Madalyn May (Gulf Shores, Al.); granddaughter Rebecca May (Tampa, Fl.), grandson Douglas May (Port St. Joe); grandson Dr. Daniel May and wife Caitlin (Port. St. Joe), and great-grandchildren: Van Hildebrand, Presley Hildebrand, Otto Hildebrand, John Angelo Fuentes, Sailor Josephine Pierce, Sunny Anderson Pierce, and Harrison Fisher May; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Betty Otto Anderson May and son Patrick Gregory May. He also shared a special bond with his father-in-law Otto Anderson, his mother-in-law Emma Anderson, his sister-in-law Dorothy Hannon, and his brother-in-law Frank Hannon, all of whom are predeceased.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that folks consider making a donation to BaySavers — a non-profit, non-political, 100% volunteer organization that cares deeply about the environmental and economic future of our unique part of Florida, specifically St. Joseph Bay, Apalachicola Bay, St. Andrews Bay and the Lake Wimico ecosystem that connects them.