Roll Call Tribute

Robert Arthur May 

June 16, 1942 - July 1, 2024 

Robert May, beloved husband, father and grandfather, left this world July 1, 2024 for everlasting life with the Lord. Born in Teague TX on June 16, 1942, the youngest of three boys to Herman Ione and Rosa (Bonin) May, he bravely left small-town Teague High School for greater adventures. At Texas A & M University he followed his dream of becoming a chemical engineer, later receiving his PhD from Rice University. Not afraid to act on his call for a change, he entered Baylor Medical School in Houston in 1972, completing his residency in General Surgery, and then a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

Bob married his wife Peggy in 1966- celebrating 58 years of marriage at his passing. They were blessed with three children: Robert Jr (1967), Michael (1969), and Kathleen (1971). Eventually, in 1981, the family moved to Corpus Christi where Bob began practice with Surgical Associates. He served the Coastal Bend for 35 years prior to retiring in 2016, but continued his compassionate care as a volunteer doctor at Mission of Mercy clinic. His accomplishments can be listed on paper but his true legacy lives on in those whose hearts he touched with kindness: family, patients, co-workers, friends. He had the patience of Job, living his faith in quiet generosity and dedication to sharing Christ's love in action.

He was an avid fisherman, who will look forward to spending time in heaven with his dear friend, Sherman Coleman, "with wakes and tails as far as the eye can see." He instilled a love of the outdoors and nature in each of his children. One of the highlights of his retirement was walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain with Peggy at the age of 76. His zeal for learning extended far past official schooling; history was a favorite read, but he was passionate about gaining knowledge of any kind, especially studying Spanish over many years. He had the best one-liners... one that lives on is "inch by inch, life's a cinch".

Bob remained incredibly proud of his three children who all became physicians, following their dad's rewarding career, ministering to the community. Rob is a Urologist in Corpus Christi, Mike is a General Surgeon in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Kathleen Bailey is an OB/Gyn in Corpus Christi. The addition of their grandchildren has totally blessed their lives: Emily May, Mary Grace May, Maggie May, Molly May, and Robert May III; Georgia May, Lachlan May, and Olivia May; Isabella Garcia and Conner Bailey. Bob and Peggy's retirement years have been filled with the joy of watching their grandchildren grow and mature, and sharing their beloved Rockport home on Copano Bay.

Bob is predeceased by his parents Rosa and Herman, his brothers Herman and Richard, and his in-laws Gordon and Betty Evans. He is survived by his devoted wife Peggy, his loving children Robert Jr (Bridget) of Corpus Christi; Mike (Lisa) of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Kathleen (Robbie Bailey) of Corpus Christi; and his ten beloved grandchildren.

Bob's Funeral Services and Celebration of Life will be at Most Precious Blood Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX on Saturday, August 3, 10:00 am- Rosary followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30, celebrated by Father Bob Dunn, a dear friend.

If you wish to make memorial gifts, the family would be honored by donations to Compassionate Care Clinic at: 
https://www.compassionateclinic.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=667db54863fd152608f5b9a4