Thomas Earl May

Thomas E. May, Jr. of Gordonsville, VA died peacefully at his home on Thursday, 7 May 2026, with Ben at his side and comforted by loving family and friends. He was born on 26 May 1953 at the Gordonsville Community Hospital. Proceeded in death by his parents Thomas Earl May, Sr. and Violet Harris May. Following graduation from Orange County High School, Tom studied at the University of Virginia Hospital where he became a certified Radiologic Technologist. He returned to Gordonsville where he headed the X-Ray Department of the Gordonsville Hospital. Following the closure of the hospital, Tom joined a partnership of physicians to open The Village at Gordon House as its first (and only) administrator for the next 42 years. Later, under new ownership, Tom’s tireless commitment to the design and implementation of the renovations created a warm and inviting atmosphere. As a result, The Village at Gordon House was a statement of Tom’s commitment to care and love towards the residents, their families, and his staff. Throughout his tenure at the Gordon House, the facility maintained an excellent reputation for superior resident care and continually held the highest survey records. As such, Tom was known throughout the Commonwealth as an innovative leader in senior health care. Tom’s achievements in life include, but were not limited to, contributions to the Virginia Garden Club; a wedding planner and floral designer par excellence with an unmatched flare for being bold and innovative; a member of the Virginia Health Care Association; President of the Gordonsville Medical Aid Fund; and a Board Member of Martha Jefferson House in Charlottesville, VA. He was honored as the Assisted Living Administrator of the Year in 1993 and received the James G. Dunton Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019. One of Tom’s most important spiritual passions was his service as organist for 42 years for Christ Episcopal Church, Gordonsville. Upon his retirement as the church organist in 2026, he was named Organist Emeritus. Recently in April, the Christ Episcopal Church Pipe Organ was officially dedicated as the May-Armistead Organ in perpetuity. He will be remembered with each note of each hymn played on a Sunday morning. Quick with a joke or a story and a hardy laugh that filled the room, Tom will be missed greatly. And who can forget those bow ties and those crazy socks? A unique man who showed kindness to all. Our light in the world just got a little dimmer with his passing. Tom is survived by his husband Benjamin Carter Armistead, his brother Gerald Harris May (Georgene), and Greta Shaw, whom he considered his “second mom” as well as a large circle of loving extended family members and close friends. The May / Armistead family members extend their heartfelt appreciation to the UVA Health and Hospice of the Piedmont staff for their dedication and compassionate care during Tom’s illness. Additionally, many thanks and gratitude are extended to everyone who provided support and loving thoughts during this difficult time. Vigil Service will be on Friday, 15 May at 6pm. A brief service of prayer, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall parlor. The church will be open for prayers all night, from Friday evening until the funeral service on Saturday. Funeral – Saturday, 16 May at 2pm. The Holy Eucharist with the Burial of the Dead, followed by a reception at Inglewood Farm, 3028 James Madison Highway. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the Christ Church Organ Fund. Send donations to P.O. Box 588, Gordonsville, VA 22942