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2602 South Houston Avenue
Humble, TX 77396
Phone: 281-441-2171
Fax: 281-441-1445
Irby May
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Obituary for Irby "Buddy" May Jr.

Irby "Buddy"  May Jr.
IRBY TAFT "Buddy" MAY, Jr. (June 25, 1936 – June 1, 2022)

On June 1, 2022, Irby Taft "Buddy" May, Jr. of Huffman, Texas, died at the tender age of 85 from “nothing serious.” A life well lived and filled with loving family, cherished friends, and roaring laughter. Buddy died the same way he lived - on his own terms - passing away as he slept in the comfort of the home he built with his own hands over 53-years ago, set on land the May family settled in 1839.

A descendant of Huffman’s founders, Buddy was a proud 6th generation Texan and 4th generation raised in Huffman. The son of Irby Taft May, Sr. and Vera Brummett May, he attended schools in Galena Park, Huffman, and Dayton and was a 1953 graduate of Dayton High School. He played multiple sports, participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA), was a member of student government, and was named “Class Favorite” numerous times. In 1957 Buddy graduated from Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and served in the Corps of Cadets, Company “L”, Third Battalion. He was also an award-winning member of the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team, a member of Saddle & Sirloin and Block & Bridle Clubs, and an editor of “The Agriculturalist”, the official publication of the School of Agriculture. A proud Aggie, Buddy supported his alma mater throughout his life and Aggie football season was one of his favorite times of the year. He held season tickets for over 50-years, loved to tailgate, and generously shared his enthusiasm for his beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies.

Buddy’s faith was strong and he lived by the “Golden Rule”. He believed a man’s character could be judged by how he treated people and animals when “the proverbial camera wasn’t rolling.” He led by example and some of his children’s fondest and most impressionable memories are when they accompanied Buddy as he delivered groceries to families in need, and as they witnessed his continuous, but surreptitious, acts of kindness.

Like his forefathers, Buddy developed an early love for farming and ranching, and was happiest when he was working the soil, raising cattle, or in the great outdoors. He was named State (Texas) Farmer of the Year numerous times and received awards for innovations in farming, yield, and production. He also achieved 100% calf production, growing the ranch’s herd 10x in record time. The experience gained from buying and selling properties for the ranch led Buddy to earn his real estate broker’s license in1966. Specializing in unimproved property and commercial real estate, Buddy developed numerous subdivisions in Huffman and surrounding areas. He also served as an advisor in the creation of many developments and shopping centers, including Lochshire, Ideloch, Roman Forest and Robinwood neighborhoods, and enjoyed a successful career in real estate for over 50-years.

From his years in real estate, Buddy recognized Huffman’s need for local banking services. In 1973, Buddy received Charter approval from the Texas Department of Banking and in 1974 Huffman Bank was opened. He was the Bank’s Vice- President and succeeded his father as President. Buddy was also Co-Chairman of the Board serving alongside his father and later his mother after his father’s passing. His fondest bank memories were witnessing families’ dreams come to fruition - from home ownership and purchasing automobiles, to helping fellow entrepreneurs get their start.

Buddy also recognized Huffman’s need for a facility where children could play organized sports. In 1968, the May family donated 10-acres to Harris County for the development of a community baseball park, “I.T. May Park”, which opened in the spring of 1969. Prior to the Park’s creation, children practiced baseball in a cow pasture. Buddy served as Huffman Little League’s first President, and thereafter in various roles including sponsor, coach, Parade Grand Marshal and occasionally threw out the first pitch of the season. In 1999, the Park expanded to encompass over 74-acres to what is now known as the “I.T. May Sports Complex and Vera Brummett May Community Center”, the hub of Huffman’s social and sports activities, hosting area residents of all ages. Buddy considered the Park and Center’s programs and the children and adults who participated in them to be his most treasured legacy.

In 1971, Buddy and his father were asked by the Superintendent of Huffman Independent School District (HISD) to support the founding of a local FFA chapter. Buddy eagerly accepted the challenge, loaned 25-acres on Wolf Road to HISD, and constructed a barn to house the FFA projects. From the inaugural auction in1973 through the 1980s, the May family purchased every Grand Champion Steer and numerous other livestock Grand Champions, which built momentum for the now 50-year program. In 1979, HISD named the newly constructed agriculture facility on the Hargrave High School campus the “I.T. May Agricultural Center” in honor of the May family’s historical contributions to both the local FFA program and the Huffman community at-large. In 1979 and 1987, HISD awarded Buddy Honorary FFA memberships for his continued support, record auction purchases, provision of summer jobs for FFA members, and gifts of project calves to FFA students. In 2009, HISD again recognized the May family and dedicated the FFA auction to them for their contributions to program and their continued support.

One of Buddy’s favorite endeavors was his purchase of the 40,000-acre “Coal Mine Ranch” (Ranch) in Presido County west of Valentine, Texas where he often entertained friends, colleagues, and customers. Buddy hosted legendary yearly hunting trips which resulted in countless stories he loved to retell (and perhaps embellish) over the years. In 1974, geologists from Texas Tech University and the University of Texas El Paso discovered significant dinosaur fossils on the Ranch which were donated to the respective universities and are still on display today.

A wonderful storyteller and prolific writer, Buddy was working on a book of his family’s history and short stories at the time of his death. He loved to read, travel, was an avid domino player, and could do anything he set his mind on. More importantly, Buddy treated everyone with kindness and compassion. He is remembered for his generosity, humor, and the opportunities he provided for others.  His multitude of former employees loved and admired him not only as a boss and mentor, but as a friend. Buddy was a Renaissance man having founded more than two dozen companies in the fields of farming, ranching, banking, mining, and real estate. Most recently, he had begun working with his daughter, Robin, to create the Huffman Historical Society to preserve the community’s unique and rich history. Buddy was an enthusiastic member of The Texas Young Farmer’s Association, Texas Cattleman’s Association, Texas Banker’s Association, Texas Association of Realtors, Huffman Lion’s Club, Huffman Masonic Lodge, Huffman Cemetery Committee, The Twelfth Man Foundation, and participated in many other civic and social organizations throughout his life.

Although he will be greatly missed, those who knew Buddy will recognize the trademark twinkle in his eyes when his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren tell a joke or share a story. Buddy weathered life’s ups and downs with a quick wit and positive demeanor that led to a limitless supply of quips, jokes, and sayings, lovingly known as “Daddy-jokes” or “Peepaw-jokes.” He was one of a kind and there will never be another like him.

Buddy is survived by his four children and their spouses, Kathy Lynn May Dodgen (Richard) of Huntsville, Irby Taft "Toby" May, III (Marla) of Humble, Robin April May Lutz (Tom) of Huffman, and Carlos Travis May (Krystal) of Round Rock; seven grandchildren – Michelle, Megan, Jereme, Jerad, Jace, Randall, and Logan; four great grandchildren – Cash, Colt, Kase, and Tripp; two sisters, Mary Lee May Lewis, and Linda Sue May Werchan (Ronnie); numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Irby Taft “I.T.” May, Sr. and Vera Maye Brummett May; wife, Dora Ann “Dodie” Varnon May; and sister, Wanda Lou May Rogers.

Honorary pallbearers are Buddy’s friends Darrel Bell, Robbie Lewis, Billie Mushinski, Mike Lochridge, Tim Lochridge, Larry Skrobanek, and posthumously,Carl Ricklefsen who would have organized “the boys” in short order. Also posthumously are Buddy’s dear friends and the source of much laughter, many adventures and tall tales - Tony Schlaeger, Robert Varnell, Jr., and Robert Lewis,Sr. Buddy would have celebrated his 86th birthday on June 25. Following his passing, his family has been comforted and humbled by the multitude of Buddy’s friends and colleagues who have reached out in support, conveyed their love and admiration, and shared anecdotes on how he influenced their lives. The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Paul O'leary for his kindness and compassion, the staff of Fresenius Dialysis Clinic in Dayton for their attentive medical care, and Mrs. Joy LaRue Loeffler Walker, Buddy's 4th grade teacher, for a lifetime of friendship.

Friends will be received for a Celebration of Buddy's Life on Saturday, July 9 at 11:30 AM at May Community Center located at 2100 Wolf Road, Huffman, Texas 77336, (713) 274-2434. A private committal of his ashes will take place at a later date. To honor Buddy’s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you raise a glass in celebration, plant a tree or a garden, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, or joyfully give your time or talents to someone in need. That is what Buddy would want you to do.
_____________________________________________________________

The punchline, “nothing serious”, was one of Buddy's favorite comebacks when asked why someone died, which never failed to get a giggle or a laugh from someone during a time of grief. So, in true Buddy style, when someone asks you what Buddy May died from, tell them it was “nothing serious.” Buddy will be
smiling.

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