Danny May

The Patriarch of our family, Danny C. May of Greenup, Kentucky, passed away at his home early morning on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 with his loving wife of 58 years, Sandy May and his lifelong cherished and dear friend, Pastor Jim Harris at his side. Danny was born on June 9th, 1949 in Argillite, Kentucky and was the son of the late Edward and Elma May. Danny lived his life defined by hard work, intense love for his family and he had a true servant heart; willing to always lend a helping hand to those who were in need. He was an excellent craftsman who could fix and create anything with his hands. 

Danny’s work life began in the early 1970’s with a journey through the southern states pipelining and working in the oil industry. In the stillness of the night, you could hear his laughter from the shoreline as Danny and his work crews were setting up the oil rigs out in the ocean. There was never a truck stop that Danny went to as he traveled, that they did not already know his name and how he liked his coffee and eggs. 

Danny brought all of his family back home to Kentucky in 1979 where he finished his long and lengthy career at Ashland Oil, known now as Marathon; having retired in 2005. Danny continued to work after retiring as a refinery consultant across the United States; overseeing shutdown projects and ensuring productivity and safety. He was a sought after heavy equipment and crane operator, with all operational departments putting in requests on a waiting list just so Danny could be the one to oversee their projects. Danny was well-known for being able to get heavy equipment into spaces any other man couldn’t get to with a shovel. He worked long hours, shutdowns for months and had many holidays at Ashland Oil/Marathon with his work crews; and yet always made certain to call his family every year on Christmas Eve before midnight, so they could go outside and look at the Christmas Star with him. He found rest and happiness outside of his work at his farm. Many people will remember him driving to and from his farm with his Great Dane in the back of his old red farm truck, waving at everyone he passed and we all know he never met a stranger.

His love for his family and friends was never ending. From coaching Little League baseball, to practicing hitting and pitching with the high school baseball team, he could always be found cheering everyone on; regardless of whose team they were on. Danny was a well known “Papaw” to all the girls on the softball team at many schools and could be found either behind the left field fence during games, sitting in the Upper Deck at Raceland with the field crew or at the concession stand feeding any and every person who may have been hungry or even looked like they were. His generosity was well known and he never hesitated to share and would give what he had away just to help others.

Danny’s legacy will remain alive through his wife of 58 years, Sandy May; his daughter Stephanie Brown (Scott) of Bardstown, Kentucky; his son Brian May (Hollie) of Greenup, Kentucky and through his six grandchildren, Madison Johnson, Emily Johnson, Kylee May, Jaxson Holley, Waylon May and Alayna Holley. Danny has two sisters that he loved dearly, Ruth Ann White of Lexington, Kentucky and Sandra May Clarke of Winchester, Kentucky as well as many nieces and nephews. Danny also leaves behind Paul Horsley of Greenup; a faithful friend from his youth, whom he loved as if Little Paul were his own brother. Danny had lost several brothers, Ricky Joe May, Paul May, David May and most recently, his precious baby brother, Phillip May; and one sister Shirley Burns. 

Danny’s memory will live on through the stories told, the lessons he taught and through the acts of kindness he performed when no one else was looking. As we remember Danny and reflect on his life, we ask that you join us for a Remembrance of Danny on Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at Reed Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00pm - 8:00pm with services led by Pastor Jim Harris starting at 8:00pm. Condolences may be made at www.rlrfuneralhome.com