Joseph Ellwood May, 97, of Mathias, WV, passed away on December 31, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born September 24, 1925, the youngest child of the late Russell C. and Ada Wittig May.

He was a life-long family farmer with his wife and sons.  In 1948, he signed a baseball contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers and played three years in the minor leagues.  From 1950-1952 he was enlisted in the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany.  After his service he played one more year of baseball until an arm injury ended his playing.  He was the last surviving charter member of the Mathias Ruritan Club with 70 years of perfect attendance and community service.  He was a member of the WV Farm Bureau and former member of the Hardy County School Board.  He was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Bergton, VA.

On June 27, 1954 he was united in marriage for 68 years to Vada Turner May, who survives.

Also surviving are three sons; Lareth L. May, of Timberville, Merrill L. May (Tammy), of Baker, WV, and Terry J. May, of Mathias, two grandsons; Derek May (Kaitlyn), of Elberon, VA, Paul Summers (Rachelle), of MI, a granddaughter; Brittany Yannielo, of TX, and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother; Russell J. May, a sister; Inez Halterman, and an infant daughter; Erin Jane May.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Bergton.  Burial at Martin Luther Lutheran Cemetery will be private.  No formal family visitation at Grandle Funeral Home is planned.

Friends may pay their respects at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway, VA on Wednesday from 9 AM- 7 PM and Thursday from 9 AM- 7 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mathias Ruritan Club, P.O. Box 84, Mathias, WV 26812 or the Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 16170 Bergton Rd., Bergton, VA 22811.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Grandle Funeral Home, Grant Memorial Hospice, hospice nurse; Stephanie Bedal, and care giver; Kathy White for their care and concern during Ellwood's illness and passing.