Ted "Papaw" May

Ted May, fondly known as Papaw, age 87, passed away at his home Saturday, February 21, 2026. Papaw was born in Sale Creek, TN September 9, 1938 to Theodore and Agnes Hodge May. Grandpa to Graysville, he was a kind, loving man with a generous heart. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He retired from IBEW after thirty years of loyal service. Papaw also drove a semi-truck for a while and was the owner of Poorboys store and produce stand. Along with his employment and entrepreneurship, Ted worked hard his entire life caring for and raising his family; which earned him his title of “best man on earth.”

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Agnes May; five brothers, Ben, Bill, Donnie Mac, Terry, and Ronnie May; three sisters, Edith Presley, Effie Ward, and Dordy Blevins; and two grandchildren, Stormy Haston and Dave Man Adcock.

Mr. May is survived by his wife, Vickie May; ex-wife Ruby Frazier; children, Teresa (Dean) Matherley, Nanette May, Lora May, Rusty (Kelly) Caraway, Eric (Ruby) Caraway, Erica (Kent) Roach, Dakota (Amanda) Caraway, and Jonathan Caraway; seven grandchildren, Tedra (Johnny) DeAlba; Darrin May, Caleb (Rachel) Matherley, Asya May, Jenny and Jordan Knox, and Brysen Caraway; along with a multitude of great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday February 25 at 2PM in the chapel of Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home with Teresa and Caleb Matherley officiating and Pastor John Harwood assisting with the committal service at Brayton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7PM Tuesday at the funeral home and 12 until service time Wednesday.  

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