Gregory Stanford May

Gregory Stanford May, 59 of Vidalia, GA passed away on August 1, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL after an extended illness with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer.

Greg was born in Jacksonville, FL on September 30, 1961, and moved to Vidalia, GA with his family two days later.  He graduated from Robert Toombs Christian Academy in 1980, and then went on to Georgia Southern University where he earned a Business degree in 1985.  After college, Greg moved to Savannah, GA for a short time and then to Hilton Head Island, SC where he worked as a realtor.  In 1986, he moved to Atlanta, GA where he worked for United Airlines - it was there that he got his love for travel and adventure.  Realizing he couldn’t live life to the fullest on an airline workers salary, he decided that he needed to kick in his entrepreneurial instincts and start his own business.  That’s when he and David launched Great American T-Shirt Factory.  After thirty years of running his successful business, he was able to retire to his hometown of Vidalia, and spent his time between his Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Franklin, TN homes.

He is survived by his partner in life of thirty-five years, David Fuerst; Merle Suratt, his best friend and companion; daughter, Lauren Tyson Bailey, two sisters, Linda May Rountree of Martinez, GA, and Mary Ann May of Destin, FL, three grandchildren, Stephen Tyson Gay (Megyn) - USMC, Banks Bailey and Emma Bailey of Doerun, GA; and two dogs, Sally and Gracie. 

Greg is preceded in death by his mother, Eloise Marsh May, father - CW “Bo” May and three Dogs, Aspen, Elle and Jesse.

A gifted entrepreneur, Greg credits his business sense to his childhood years where his first business was selling penny candy.  He went on to proudly accomplish many things in his life including photographer, publisher (Vidalia, Then and Now), accomplished pilot with many licenses, scuba instructor, paramedic, realtor and business owner.  Most of all, Greg was a loving, trusted and generous friend and mentor to many.

Greg’s standard phrase when leaving a conversation was always “be good”.  So Greg, “BE GOOD!”  May you rest peacefully in heaven with all our loved ones and we will see you soon!

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday afternoon from 1:00 until just prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021, at the chapel of Ronald V Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia, with Pastor Tom Fuerst officiating.  Burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the Bethany Cemetery in Wadley, GA. 

Memorials may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society by visiting their website at braintumor.org and SOAPS, Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society, PO Box 210, Vidalia, GA 30475 or by visiting their website at sweetonionaps.org

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