VALLEY — Harold Grant May Sr., 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 6, 2019.  Mr. May was born in Randolph County on Sept.  6, 1922, to Charlie Fred May and Ella Mae Kirby May.  He is survived by daughter, Carole Diane May of Valley; his son, Grant May Jr. of Birmingham; sister-in-law, Jewel May of Huntsville and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Marie Baldwin May, and by two sisters and two brothers.

Mr. May was a member and former deacon at Shawmut Baptist Church.  He was also a member of the Valley Post of the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans of America.  Mr. May was retired from Lanett Bleachery and Dye Works after 45 years of service.

Mr. May served in World War II with the 17th Airborne Division, 507th Parachute Infantry.  He participated in the Campaigns of Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes and Luxembourg, where he was wounded on February 7, 1945.  He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Battle of Bulge Combat Badge, Good Conduct Medal, European Theater of Operations (four battle stars), World War II Medal Combat Service Commemorative Medal,  Commemorative Victory in Europe, Presidential Citation (two clusters), and Paratrooper Wings.  He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11 a.m. EST from Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley with the Rev. Chuck Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Lanett, Ala. with military honors.  The visitation will be Saturday from 10 till 11 a.m. EST at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted or donations to Chattahoochee Hospice or Shawmut First Baptist Church.

Visit www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to sign the online guest book.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.