Robert Lowell May, 84, of Salem, Va., passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Bob was born in Clifton Forge, Va. He graduated from high school in 1958. He joined the Army in 1959, achieved the rank of PFC E-3, and was stationed with Fox Troop, 2nd recon squadron 3rd ACR, in Fort Meade, Md. He was honorably discharged in 1961, attended Hampton Sydney College for two years, and graduated from Roanoke College in 1965, with BS and BA degrees.
Upon graduation, Bob was employed as a manufacturer’s sales representative for 20 fishing tackle and gun manufacturers. He purchased the company in 1975 and incorporated as The May Company.
Bob was often referred to as “the fish whisperer”. Many who knew him longed for the opportunity to fish with him. He spent 41 years in the fishing tackle industry and fished around the world from Alaska to the Amazon Jungle, the salmon waters of Scotland, and the islands of the Pacific. Bob pioneered fly fishing in salt water for big game species and holds two world records. For 17 years he was an instructor for NC State University’s Sport Fishing short course held at Cape Hatteras, N.C.
Bob established many retail businesses to include The Crappy Hole Tackle shops which quickly grew to 3 locations in Salem, Roanoke, and Bob’s hometown of Clifton Forge. In 1991, Bob established Countryside Classics, the “gift authority”, in downtown Salem which existed for more than 25 years and was a staple of Salem. He has been an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, having served on Vestry, as Senior Warden, as Stewardship Chair, Finance Chair, and as a choir member for more than 30 years.
Bob married his lovely wife, Carolyn, on December 5, 1970, and they have been married for 55 years. He is also survived by his four children and their families, Brooks (Chris) Michael and their children, Colin, Caleb, Gracie, and Brady, Josh (Becky) May and their daughter, Chloe, Robbie (Molly) May and their son, Riley, and Kimberly May. Bob is also survived by his sister, Ann Shelton; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish the time they spent with him and the profound influence he had on their lives.
Bob was a true lover of life. He made every Christmas magical and had a knack for decorating in such a timeless yet grand manner. He enjoyed a lifetime of fishing. He also loved gardening and flowers, planting more than 20 tomato plants each year (squirrels learned quickly to watch out for Bob May). He loved his patio, naps in the sun, good corn on the cob, playing poker and gin, making gravy from scratch, golf, his docksiders, and so much more. Most of all, he loved his family and was at his very happiest when they were gathered at his beautiful home on Red Lane.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 42 East Main Street in Salem, Va. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in loving memory of Bob or to the Cowpasture River Preservation Association. Let his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
