Ralph May
Ralph “Wimpy” May, age 92, passed away at home on Sept. 26, 2020.
He was born in 1928 to Robert and Mabel May, in Auburn Township, where he spent most of his life.
Ralph began racing stock cars with his brother and cousin in 1948. They traveled the country racing for nearly 20 years. In recent years, he was inducted into the Cloverleaf Speedway Hall of Fame and the Twin State Auto Racing Club Hall of Fame.
Ralph served as a cook in the 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, during the Korean War. He was an active member of the Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459.
For over 40 years, he owned a business that served food at local fairs and festivals, including The Great Geauga County Fair and Geauga County Maple Festival. He loved seeing the long lines for his funnel cakes and elephant ears almost as much as he loved the friends he encountered while working at these events.
Ralph never seemed to meet someone he couldn’t talk to, and he could regularly find a connection to that person through common acquaintances.
He was active in the Auburn Community Church and other township organizations throughout his life. He loved helping others, and community service was an important part of his life.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Becky Messner (Dave); son, Jon (Jen); and grandchildren, Molly, Seth, Ian and Gavin.
He was preceded in death by his two wives, Marilyn Kimmick (1955) and Barbara Bryant (2009); sister, Pauline Gastemire; and brother, Robert May.
A private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve; Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459; or the National Kidney Foundation.
As Wimpy always liked to say, “Well, I sure am glad you got to see me.”
Arrangements handled by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St., Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
