Wanda May Obituary

Wanda Kay Goodman May

October 24, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Wanda Kay Goodman May, a devoted wife and beloved friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 24, 2025, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Johnson City to the late Silas Goodman and Maxie Cole Goodman, Wanda lived a life marked by service, faith, and love. She was preceded in death by her sisters Helen Goodman, Bobbie Goodman Russell, Lucille Goodman Depew, and Linda Sue Morton, and by her brother Paul Goodman.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Coach Robert "Bob" May; two nieces, Trish (Phil) Teetor and Allene Holland; nephew Shane (Brittney) Morton; special cousin Carolyn Ferguson; several cousins and extended family members; special friend Kandy (Marlin) Danielsen, special friends "The Bunco Girls", and a host of other dear friends who she considered her family.

A passionate advocate for youth and education, Wanda was a graduate of Boones Creek High School, attended ETSU, graduated from Community Policing School in Nashville, and from Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) School in Lexington, KY. As a Sheriff's Deputy for the Washington County Sheriff's Department, Wanda introduced the D.A.R.E. Program to Washington County and served as the county's first D.A.R.E. Officer, teaching students in eleven schools. She organized the first National D.A.R.E. Day in Tennessee and the first five-day D.A.R.E. Camp in the state-initiatives that left a lasting impact on children and families across the region.

Wanda retired from Proffitt's/Belk Dept. Store. With her sharp eye for fashion, style, and class, she helped many look and feel their best, and was a favorite among customers and coworkers alike. She was recognized many times as Employee of the Month.

Wanda's parties and celebrations were epic, and she genuinely enjoyed celebrating those she loved. Later in her career, she co-owned Fortune & May Events with her dear friend Susan Fortune, where her eye for beauty and detail brought countless celebrations to life.

Wanda was a well-known and deeply respected influencer in the Johnson City community. She spent years in public service, where her dedicated leadership and warmth touched lives across Washington County and beyond.

In the 1970s, Wanda became active in Republican politics, first volunteering on local Republican campaigns and later successfully recruiting, electing, and raising funds for Republican Candidates at nearly every level of government. She was particularly proud of her husband's successful 1997 City Commission race, after which he was voted Mayor, and was especially proud to be the one who convinced Dr. Phil Roe to become involved in Republican politics and run for City Commission. She often stated her proudest moment was when he was later elected as Congressman for Tennessee's First District. As the former First Lady of Johnson City, everyone knew that if you needed help to succeed, ask Wanda May.

Among her many political endeavors, one of her most memorable experiences was walking alongside Senator Lamar Alexander in 1978 as he crossed the state of Tennessee during his campaign for Governor. She later worked on several of Congressman Dr. Phil Roe's elections, and too many others to name. Her commitment and energy made her a cornerstone of the Washington County Republican Party, where she chaired numerous events including Lincoln Day Dinners and summer picnics. Wanda was President and Founding Member of the East Tennessee Republican Club, which was her passion. She was instrumental in growing ETRC to become the largest Republican Club in Tennessee.

Wanda's dedication was recognized many times throughout her life. She was named in Outstanding Women of America, honored by the Tennessee House of Representatives with Resolution No. 167, and appointed to several state and local boards by both the Johnson City Commission and by Governors of Tennessee. In 2019, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington County Republican Party, and in 2021 was named Tennessee Statesman of the Year for the First Congressional District.

She was a member of Central Baptist Church and a former member of Heritage Baptist Church. Through both congregations, she faithfully served the Lord and her community-most recently as President of the Joy Choir, Chairman of the Joy Fellowship at Central Baptist, and served on the Care and Concern Committee.

At Heritage Baptist, she lovingly cared for and nurtured her husband "Coach's" Sunday School class of senior adults. There, she was also deeply involved in music ministry, spending 25 years singing with the group Sisters in Praise, always remaining close to her "SIP's".

Wanda was often told she was the "best cook in Johnson City," and she loved feeding her family and friends.

Wanda May was truly a force-her accomplishments, accolades, and honors far too numerous to list. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, unshakable faith, and the kindness that made every person she met feel valued. She was known for her hospitality, her smile and laughter, wit, and her unwavering devotion to her beloved husband, family, and friends. To know Wanda was to be encouraged, inspired, and deeply loved.

Special thanks to Dr. W. Turney Williams and Dr. Todd Fowler, both very dear friends whom Wanda cherished; Dr. Wade Iams, Dr. Frank Johnson, Dr. Jeff Farrow, Dr. Chris Sholes, Dr. Jason McKinney, Dr. Sam Messimer, and to Wanda's many caregivers, including Mrs. Nancy Bowman for her faithful, loving care.

The funeral service celebrating Wanda's life will be conducted Sunday, November 2, 2025, in the Sanctuary of Central Baptist Church, 300 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601 at 1:30 P.M., with Rev. Phil Hoskins and Rev. Paul Farrior, officiating. Special music will be provided by Phillips & Banks. Active pallbearers will be Dana Whiteside, Dr. Jeff Banyas, Gene Scott, Freddie Malone, John Goetz, Stephen Sebastian, Chris Mathes, Marlin Danielsen, Frank Garrabrant and Ray Hayes. Honorary pallbearers are Governor Bill Lee, Senator Rusty Crowe, Scott Niswonger, Chip Saltsman, Tom Ingram, Alan Levine, Mayor Joe Grandy, Honorable John Rambo, Honorable Johnathan Minga, Howie Alexander, Richard Tetrick, Josh Smith, Kevin Cole, D. Kent Harris, Phil Stuart, Anthony Whiteside, Buford Stone, Jim Burkholder, Harvey Mitchell, and Jim Wheeler.

Graveside committal service will follow in Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park, Blountville (across from Tri-Cities Regional Airport), with Dr. Reggie Weems officiating.

Receiving of friends will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Central Baptist Church, from 12:00-2:00 P.M. & 4:00-6:00 P.M.

Those who prefer to make donations in-lieu-of flowers may do so to East Tennessee Republican Club, PO Box 4175, Johnson City, TN 37602

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

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the family and friends of Wanda May. (423-928-6111)