Douglas May

Funeral services for Mr. Douglas M. "Buzzy" May, age 66 of Columbia, will be held at 2 PM Sunday, December 6, 2009 from the sanctuary of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Grayson with Bro. Barnwell Anderson and Bro. Donald Dulaney officiating. Interment will follow at Cross Roads Cemetery in Grayson. Visitation will be Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Riser Funeral Home, Columbia from 5 PM to 9 PM. Mr. May was born in Clarks, LA on December 19, 1942 to the union of Hollie Edward and Mary Marie Parker May and went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2009 at LA Extended Care Hospital in West Monroe. A gospel music enthusiast since high school Buzzy was both a pianist and vocalist serving his home churches as well as traveling and singing with his wife, Glenda May and his cousin, Ruby Whitlock as the May Trio for several years. Their travels carried them throughout the south. He also served as vice-president of the Louisiana State Singing Convention, the Tri-State Singing Convention and the National Singing Convention. The many people he met who both admired and respected his involvement and support will feel a deep void from his loss. Buzzy graduated from The Commonwealth College of Sciences in 1966 receiving his degree in Mortuary Sciences. He went to work for Riser and Son Funeral Home thereafter and has remained there these past 45 years having served as manager since 1994. He was dutifully elected as coroner of Caldwell Parish since 1986. For 30 years he and his wife owned and operated the local Flower and Gift Shop until 2008. He received the 2008 Gorvernor's Legacy of Achievement Award from the Caldwell Parish Council on Aging. He was a founder and devoted member of Grace Baptist Church in Grayson where he enjoyed singing and hearing gospel music. Buzzy was a great friend, mentor and community leader who loved the Lord and his family and his passing will be felt deeply by everyone who ever knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Prentice "Jack" May, Robert "Buster" May and Miles "Pete" May. Survivors include his wife of 42 years; Glenda Puckett May of Columbia, two daughters: Kelly May of Columbia and Kim Wise and husband, Elton "Scooter" of Columbia, two brothers: James "Red" May of Grayson and Mike May of Clute, TX, two sisters: Catherine Kersten and husband, Edward of Brazoria, TX and Marie Tyler and husband, Joe of Columbia, three grandchildren who were the loves of his life: Mackenzie Wise, Jordan Wise and Hunter Wise, sister-in-law; Lora Anne May of Grayson, two special cousins: Helen "Ruby" Whitlock and Barbara Lutrick and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will be Mark May, Neil Riser, Randy Etheridge, Jerry Mobley, Douglas Kersten, Gary Davis, David Massey and Henry May. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Clack, Jerry Moseley, Sherri Johnson, Jarrod Brooks, Timothy Weeks, Paul Weeks, Carroll Weeks and Raymond Ray. The family would like to express their thanks to the employees of Riser Funeral Home, the owners and longtime staff of the Flower and Gift Shop, the deacons and members of his Christian family at Grace Baptist Church, the doctors and staff at both Glenwood Regional Medical Center and LA Extended Care Hospital. A special "Thank you" to these people for their love, assistance and care with Buzzy and the family, Charles "Chuck" Clack, Mark May, Dr. Floyd Jones, Dr. Erica Simpson and Bro. Dennis Anger. There are others, but too numerous to name. Any planned memorials may be made to either MDA, 1888 Hudson Circle, Ste. 1, Monroe, LA 71201 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.