LTC Paul Thomas (Butch) May, Jr., MBA (RET)

 LTC Paul Thomas (Butch) May Jr., MBA (RET), 83, of Roanoke, VA passed away on October 29, 2024 at Sarasota, FL.

Paul was known for his sense of optimism, humor, charm, dedication to teaching the Bible to children, his deep faith and faithfulness in Jesus Christ and his duty and service to both God and country. A double recipient of the United States Army Meritorious Service Award, he exemplified duty and commitment.

 Born on June 21, 1941 in Roanoke, VA, he played on his high school basketball team at Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, VA. A member of the Civil Air Patrol (ROTC) at and education graduate of Virginia Tech, he met and married his sweetheart Shirley at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salem, VA.

 Driven by his passion for his country, he served as an Army officer in the Signal Corps and volunteered to go to Vietnam. He served on 4 JAG trials:2 prosecuting and 2 defending. He obtained his MBA from the University of Northern Colorado. He then was stationed in Indianapolis, IN in the Army Reserve, where his two children were born.

 Paul enjoyed a successful career as a salesman in business forms, filing systems, and printing/marketing collateral, eventually starting his own business, Blackhawk Business Systems, which he ran for 40 years. He also served as an Army instructor and marketing adjunct instructor. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) visiting high schools to share his experience in Vietnam.

In addition to his professional achievements, Paul was a metal worker, military historian, model railroader, and woodworker. He was an active member of Walnut Grove Chapel (The Chapel), where he taught children the Bible in AWANA for over 30 years before moving to Florida, where he became a member of Sarasota Christian Church.

 Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Shirley; children Damon and Brittany; brother Barry and wife Mary; Damon’s wife Olena (Lienna) and her family, Valerii Kostiuk, Mariia Muliarchuk, and Andriy; and granddaughter Sophia Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beulah Kathryn; father, Paul Thomas Sr.; and stepfather, Henry Figgatt.

 A memorial service will be held on November 5, 2024 at 2 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery.

 Absent from the body is present with the Lord. Until we meet again.