Obituary of Tommie Frank May

Tommie’s Life Journey November 7, 1943 - April 24, 2025 Tommie Frank May, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Tommie was born in Parrott, GA on November 7, 1943, to the late John Thomas “Charlie” May and the late Walter Lee May. During his childhood life while residing in Georgia, he drove several types of farming tractors and maintained other types of farm machinery equipment. He also assisted his dad with building, installing and welding indoor water lines for many families. In 1967, Tommie moved to New Brunswick, NJ, he relocated in search of better employment opportunities, later sending for his family to join him once he was established. Tommie purchased his first home in Piscataway, NJ, and married Essie Peters, and to this union 4 children were born. During his time in Piscataway, he joined Macedonia O.F.W. Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend David Rouse Sr. He served as an usher and deacon with the ministry. Tommie had several trades of employment, he was employed with American Cyanamid, Bound Brook, NJ for several years and departed to start employment with AMTRAK as a welder. After leaving AMTRAK, Tommie was a dedicated truck driver for Banner Express Trucking Corporation, hauling supplies between New Jersey and New York until his retirement. After many years following his divorce, he married, Tina Riley-May in 2016, and remained together until his passing. Tommie was well-known to family, friends and his community as “PEPO”, he was a man of strong character, a strong disciplinary & always putting his family first. His sense of humor was a gift to all those who knew him. Tommie was a lover of cars, always took great pride in his vehicles, especially his 1980 yellow Cadillac Coupe De Ville. He was a devoted father who found great joy in supporting his children’s athletic pursuits, often cheering from the sidelines and later serving as an assistant coach to his children’s, Little League Baseball team, called the Piscataway Orioles. Tommie had a deep love for quartet music, especially the soul-stirring harmonies of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, one of his favorite songs was “Walk Around Heaven All Day”. His legacy will continue through the memories and love he shared with those around him. Tommie is survived by his wife, Tina Riley-May, his dog Tobias, his daughter Felisia May; 18 grandchildren; 24 great- grandchildren; 3 sisters; Linda Ann Marcus, Mary Lois Jones (Edward), Ellen Shingles (Sylvester); 2 brothers, Johnnie Lee May (Mollie) and Rodolphus May Sr. (Donna).; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins & friends. Tommie was preceded in death by his parents Charlie & Walter Lee May; his children, Carolyn, Josephine, John & Norman May; his siblings, Daniel, Jack Charlie & Bobbie Jean May. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shal l there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Rev. 21:4)