Ralph E. May

Savannah, GA- Ralph Eugene May, 100, passed away in the early morning of February 11, 2007 at Hospice Savannah.
Mr. May was born November 24, 1906 in Wadley, Ga. He is predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Agnes Thigpen May, of Wrens, GA; and, his daughter, Jean May Colbert. Starting out as a barber, he developed a passion for growing camellias and azaleas. In 1940 Mr. May became the owner and operator of Gerbing Camellia Nursery and Gardens of Fernandina, FL with production nurseries in Semmes, AL and Norfolk, VA. He originated many camellia and sasanqua varieties including camellias, Bart Colbert 1971 and Barbara Colbert 1969 and sasanqua, Jean May 1951.
Mr. & Mrs. May maintained homes in Savannah and Fernandina Beach, FL. He was a member of the American Camellia Society; The River Club of Jacksonville, FL; Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach, FL; and was raised a master mason of the Landrum Masonic Lodge No. 48 of Savannah, GA April 24, 1935.
He is survived by his two grandchildren, Julian B. Colbert III Winslow Ira Colbert, and Barbara Colbert Newell; and, four great-grandchildren, Jeanne Lamar Colbert Petersen William Petersen, Michelle May Newell, Amelia Haughton Colbert, and Katherine Ann Newell.
Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 17 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, corner of 34th and Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA.. The Very Reverend William Willoughby is the officiant. Interment will be at Bonaventure Cemetery. Pallbearers: Bart Colbert, David Smith, William Petersen, Marion Hilliard, Greg Hilliard, Jason Hilliard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.