Bennie May

Bennie Smith May, 78, of Carey, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Medical Center.
Bennie was born, at home, on Aug. 18, 1945, to the late John and Beatrice (Collins) May. Beatrice later married Kenny Dill whom Bennie looked up to as a father figure. Bennie grew up in Carey, and was a proud Blue Devil. Wanting to serve his country, Bennie enlisted in the United States Army in 1963. During his time enlisted he served both stateside and in Germany.
After an honorable discharge in 1967, Bennie returned home to Carey. One evening, while at the VFW with friends, Sue Orewiler caught Bennie’s eye and the rest was history. The two were married on Dec. 5, 1981, and have spent every day together since.
Bennie was an all-around likable guy. When Bennie was home, he could often be found cheering on the OSU Buckeyes or the Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. When Bennie wasn’t being a homebody, he would be hanging out at the American Legion drinking Black Velvet and bullshitting with his friends.
In his younger years, Bennie enjoyed summer fishing trips to Sugar Island in Canada, dancing the night away or trying to karaoke Johnny Cash songs.
Bennie will be missed by his wife Sue, of Carey; children, Chad (Shawna) May of Carey and Nikki (Lance) Kessler of Carey; grandchildren, Kiersten (Mason Hill), Trevor, Madison (Hunter Brady), Tanner (Hailey Niederkohr), Alec, Logan and Draeton; great-grandchildren, Maverick, Brayven and Dawson; and siblings, Sue Ritter and Mary Lou (Bob) Campbell.
In addition to his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Brooks.
A gathering of friends will be held at Stombaugh- Batton Funeral Home, Carey, from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Graveside services will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by the Carey Honor Guard on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home starting at 10:30 a.m. for a funeral procession.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.