Escondido, Calif. — Raymond May, formerly of Windsor, Vt., died on Saturday June 4, 2016 at the age of 101 in Escondido, Calif. For the past four years, he resided in the home of his daughter and loving caretaker, Gaila Strawn. Ray was the oldest of 5 children born to Ervin and Anna (Dennison) May in Peterborough, N.H. on May 31, 1915. After high school, Ray became a salesman for Raleigh and Fuller Brush products. During World War II, Ray enlisted in the Army, served in the European theater, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge after which he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. After the war, Ray returned to Winchendon, Mass. where he married Beatrice Cardin. Ray began his long career with Aubuchon Hardware in Winchendon, Mass. and in 1957 became the manager of the Windsor, Vt. store.

Ray was always busy. When not working in the hardware store, he was remodeling his home in Windsor or tending his garden at home.

Ray loved reading and taking long trips with Bea when time permitted. Ray was a man of few words but he was always available to listen and would offer advice when asked. He was loved for his quiet dedication to his family, friends, and God. He often spoke to Boy Scout troops about his first hand experiences during WW II and his recall of details of the war was remarkable. He leaves behind his 3 children, son, Jim (wife Karin) of Claremont, N.H., daughter Gaila (husband David) Strawn of Escondido, Calif., daughter Patricia May (wife Kathy Droll) of Long Beach, Calif., granddaughter, Elizabeth May of Fresno, Calif. and his sister, Evelyn Spaulding of Baldwinville, Mass. and many nieces and nephews.

Burial will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon, Mass. at a later date.