Coach May Obituary

Coach Bob "Sonny" May

December 27, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Coach Bob "Sonny" May, 91, Johnson City, devoted husband and mentor to many young men, went home to be with the Lord, and be reunited with the love of his life, Wanda, early Saturday morning, December 27, 2025, following a lengthy period of declining health, at the James H. Quillen VA Community Living Center.

Sonny was a 1953 graduate of Science Hill High School, where he was a member of the football and track teams. He then attended Bacone Junior College in Oklahoma for two years, where he was also a valuable member of the football and track teams. Bob returned home to East Tennessee State College, where he received a bachelor's degree in education, while playing football and track & field for the Bucs. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army, where he also played football from 1957-59.

Coach began his career in education with the Johnson City School System in 1960, teaching Physical Education at North Junior High, and coaching most every sport. He was then hired as a football coach at Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport, where he served from 1968 until returning home to coach and teach at Science Hill in 1977. Bob served the Hilltoppers as an assistant coach until he was named head coach in 1986, where he continued to lead the Toppers until his retirement in 1992. He later returned to the Toppers for a brief period of time when requested to assist as a defensive coach. Throughout his career teaching and coaching, Bob continued to graciously be a father figure to countless young men who he came in contact with.

Coach continued to serve his community by being elected to the Johnson City Commission, being named vice-mayor from 1995-97 then mayor from 1997-99.

In 2023, the City of Johnson City named the street on campus in front of Science Hill High School "Coach Bob May Lane".

He was elected to both the Science Hill Football Hall of Fame and the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame in 2007.

Bob was a member of Central Baptist Church and Gideons International.

He loved spending time at the beach, especially Hilton Head.

Coach was preceded in death by his mother, Amanda Lee "Ducky" May, his loving wife of sixty-four years, Wanda Kay Goodman May, on October 24th of this year, sister, Peggy Bird, and many dear friends, including Dana Ferguson.

He is survived by a niece, Allie Holland; nephews, Anthony Shane Morton, and Roddy Bird; several cousins, including Ann Booker, Pat Hughes, Mary Ann "Pem" Stevens, and Bill Adams; Bob and Wanda's closest friends and traveling buddies, including Carolyn Ferguson.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the VA CLC, especially Dr. A, Becky, Carly, Robin, Blake, Robbie and Katie, for the excellent care and concern given to Coach.

The funeral service celebrating the life of Coach May will be conducted Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Rev. Roy Yelton, officiating. Additional speakers sharing memories will be Dr. Phil Roe, Coach Keith Lyle, Coach Graham Clark, Dana Whiteside, Phil Stuart and Jeff Blackburn. Special music will be provided by Kevin and Jennifer Collins. The service will be livestreamed at www.appfh.net.

The family will receive friends Wednesday prior to the service from 11:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home.

Graveside committal service will follow at 3:00 P.M. in Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park, Blountville (across from Tri-Cities Regional Airport). Active pallbearers will be Dana Whiteside, Phil Stuart, Dr. Todd Fowler, Dr. Turney Williams, and Robb Cates. Honorary pallbearers are Coach Keith Lyle, Coach Mike Voitlin, Jeff Blackburn, Anthony Whiteside, Robbie Stuart, Gary Adams, Bart Lyons, Joe Reid and Buford Stone.

Those who prefer to make donations in-lieu-of flowers may do so to Gideons International at www.gideons.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the May family. (423)928-6111