Fred H. May, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026. Born November 2, 1930, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Ellen Barham May and Fred Hamilton May, Sr., Fred lived a long and full life marked by family, faith, service, friendship, and—true to his younger years—more than a little mischief.
Fred moved several times during his early grade-school years before his family settled in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from Byrd High School in 1946, where he worked parking cars at the local movie theater. Even as a young man, Fred had a mischievous streak and a quick sense of humor. His friends nicknamed him “Fireball Freddie,” a name that reflected the lively personality that stayed with him throughout his 95 years.
Fred served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War with the 145th Infantry. Following his military service, he returned to Louisiana and attended Louisiana Tech University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business. He went on to build a long career at Louisiana Tech, working in the Computing Center for more than 30 years and ultimately serving as Manager of Operations before retiring in 1995.
Fred married Lou Ropp, and together they had two daughters, Karen and Kelley. In 1975, Fred married Annette Tillman Scott. Through their marriage, Fred and Annette created a loving blended family that brought together five daughters: Karen, Kelley, Linda, Cindy, and Karen.
Fred and Annette built a wonderful life together. They moved to the Seattle area and lived in Everett, Washington, from 1997 until 2024, joining Crosspointe Church. In 2024, they moved to Portland, Oregon, to be closer to family. They also enjoyed traveling and, over the years, explored Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand, creating memories that became part of their shared story.
Listening to music, such as jazz and country artists like Willie Nelson, was another way Fred enjoyed life, and his broad musical tastes were as memorable as his sense of humor.
Faith and service were important parts of Fred’s life. In Ruston, he joined Trinity Methodist Church, where he served as an usher for many years, and later was a member at First Baptist Church. He was also a longtime member of the Lions Club in Ruston, frequently serving on the Board as President, always helping with barbecue fundraisers and other community events.
Those who knew Fred will remember his friendly and personable nature, his quick wit, his sharp mind, and his ability to joke around with just about anyone. His family will especially remember his extraordinary love of sweets—a lifelong affection that may have been one of the few things more dependable than his sense of humor.
Fred was deeply connected to the Ruston area, with roots in both the Barham and May families reaching back multiple generations. But his life carried him far beyond Louisiana, touching the lives of family and friends across the country and around the world.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Annette Tillman May of Portland, Oregon; daughters Karen May Cox of Ruston, Louisiana, and Kelley May Bingham of Mobile, Alabama; stepdaughters Linda Scott Hughes of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Cindy Scott Appleton of Cordova, Alaska, and Karen Scott Montovino and her husband, Chris Montovino, of Camas, Washington; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Fred leaves behind a large and loving family, many lifelong friends, and generations of stories. His quick wit, generous spirit, mischievous personality, love of music and travel, and ability to make people laugh will be deeply missed.
We suspect, “Fireball Freddie” is still finding a way to make everyone smile.
Memorial donations may be made in Fred’s memory to Salvation Army, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers.
