Ralph Thomas May (February 11, 1952 - October 28, 2026) | Obituaries – Lake of the Ozarks

Ralph Thomas May Obituary

Ralph Thomas May, 74, of Camdenton, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his residence, in the place he and his family had called home for nearly 40 years.

Ralph was born in Pearsall, Texas on February 11, 1952, the middle son of Raymond May and Dorothy Talley. After graduating from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1972 he continued his education at Texas A&M and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa. He then went to work as a mechanic at Swinson Chevrolet in Tulsa.

Ralph married the love of his life Pamela Brown 1977. They had shared 21 years together at the time of her passing in 1998. In 1978, Ralph and his wife, Pam, relocated to Lake of the Ozarks, where they made their home and built a life together. Ralph was dedicated to Pam and their three children. He was a devoted husband and parent, supporting Pam in her many endeavors and providing well for their children through their college years. In their adult

years, he continued to be there for them as a father, a friend, and an advisor.

When he and Pam moved to Camdenton, he continued working in the automotive industry at Hulett Chevrolet before opening his own business, Dependable Automotive, in 1983. Ralph took great pride in the business he built and the relationships he formed with his customers over the years. He owned and operated Dependable Automotive until selling the business in 2012; he fully retired in 2015. A man of integrity, his customers knew they could trust him. He treated

his customers fairly, always getting the job done well and for a fair price.

Ralph was a hardworking man who took pride in what he did and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether working on a car, fixing something around the house, or helping a friend in need, Ralph had a knack for figuring things out and rarely encountered anything he couldn't fix. He was the kind of person one could count on, and he was always happy to share his time and talents with others.

Outside of work, Ralph enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing and hunting, and he especially enjoyed spending time playing cards and games with family and friends. Whether sharing a good story or lending a hand with a project, all who knew him will remember a man who showed he cared not just through words, but through the things he did for others. He leaves behind many wonderful memories and a legacy of kindness, hard work, and helping hands.

Ralph is survived by his children, Joseph May (Charlotte Mades), Julia May (Tony Lehmer), and Brett May (Meredith Schoonover); his brothers, Robert May (Sandra) and Ronald May (Sharon) along with other relatives and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela (Brown) May; his father, Raymond May; and his mother, Dorothy Talley.

Ralph will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.

Friends will be received from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri. A celebration of Ralph's life will follow at 3:00pm at the funeral home. Private inurnment will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S. Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020, (573) 346-2090.