of Las Vegas, NV
February 17, 1972 - October 6, 2017
Ralph Duren May, 45, formerly of Clarksville Arkansas., died in Las Vegas Oct. 6, 2017. Known to the world as Ralphie May, he was the son of Sue Ann Sykes May and the late Charles Winston May. He is predeceased by grandparents Ralph and Sue Sykes of Clarksville, AR and A.D. and Monie May of Delight, AR. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife Lahna Turner, daughter April June May, son August James May; one brother Charles Winston May II of Fayetteville, AR; three sisters Melanie May Adamski and husband Jim Adamski of Longwood, FL; Camellia May and husband Bijan Timjani of Houston, TX; Carrie May Ezell and husband Ben Ezell of Cullman, AL; four nephews; and five nieces; one great-nephew; stepmother Gayle May of Canton, GA, and stepbrother Gary Gilley of Edgefield, SC.
Ralphie May grew up in Clarksville, AR and attended Clarksville H.S. He moved to the Sagemont area in Houston, TX and attended San Jacinto Community College- South Campus. He got started doing standup comedy at The Comedy Showcase on Fuqua in Houston for several years before moving to Los Angeles. Wherever he went, he remained a lifelong Razorback and supporter of the University of Arkansas.
He had a career traveling the world performing comedy live for millions of fans. Early in his career he appeared on ''The Late Show with Craig Kilborn'', ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'' twice and ''The Jimmy Kimmel Show'' twice. He was also a producer and co-star of ESPN's ''Mohr Sports with Jay Mohr''. He shot to fame in 2003 when he came in second place on NBC's ''Last Comic Standing''. He made DVDs and specials for Comedy Central and Netflix. He did USO tours in Japan, Germany, Italy, and Iraq.
At the time of his passing, Ralphie had a performance residency at Harrah's in Vegas and was voted Casino Comedian of the Year.
Ralphie's Memorial graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday November 4, 2017 the Oakland Cemetery with Bro. Sam Hannon officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home, online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville
Ralphie May, I'm sad to hear of your not with us anymore. You were so talented, funny, a great comedian. There will never be anyone as good as you. I watched you alit, I hope your rejoicing I'm Heaven. We will see you again. Rest in peace Ralphie. ?? ??
I just found you on YouTube. I've been watching you ALL day! I had zero knowledge of your passing until I Googled you while still happily listening to your show. So sad that you have left us. Prayers to your family. May they be blessed. You were hilarious!!!
My deepest condolences to the family. Vacationing in st marteen and saw Ralphie May on the Byron Allen Show. Couldn’t stop laughing. Googled his name to see if I could catch a show only to find he passed away in 2017 and had a residency I’m my city previously. RIP 🥰
I'm so sorry to hear you passed away. You're in a better place, but we on earth still miss you. RIP. Very relented and thanks for the laughs.
Raphaël may was à real dude who u could tell cared about the real issues he was very funny an he made alot of sence hurts me to find out he has been gone for so long why is it the good guys leave si soon love mann thx for all the laughs as long as I can watch ralphie on video he will live for ever
You are one funny guy!
I discovered you during the pandemic without the knowledge that you were deceased. My condolonces to your family. Your comedy was wicked smaht! May you rest in peace Ralphie!
I've been watching your absolutley awesome comedy on Youtube for @ 2 years now. Unfortunately, I only today found out you passed away back on Oct 6/17. I want to offer my sincerest condolences to your family and friends, but specifically to your precious kiddos. The Comedy world lost another incredible member. So very sad.
Hey Ralphie! You were insightful, unique, and just a funny funny standup guy! RIP.
This is a belated post as I didn't know he had passed. He was an inspiration to many, a role model for following your dreams and a great comic talent. I loved him and pray he is in heaven making angels laugh. Rest in peace dear Ralphie May. The world dimmed with your passing.
RIP Ralphie, Thank you for all the laughter you brought and continue to bring to us all. We miss you ðŸ™
Rip my friend. Thanks for making this world a better place. Your comedy was accepted by many people of every race color and religion. (Except for AL Jazeera and AL-Qaeda or anyone named AL!) You sir allowed so many people to forget their problems with your right to the point comedy style. I pray for your family and especially the boys. "May" they grow up to be just like you...peace
After seeing Ralph on YouTube for the first time, I binge watched everything I could find of him. He touched and moved me. Mostly I belly laughed through every skit, every performance and it was non stop!!!!!! I went in to comment, and saw he passed. WOW!!! Heaven got an angel and that Angel is making Jesus laugh!!!!!♥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Ralphie’s stand up comedy clips could make me laugh on my darkest days.
He had a God given talent that cheered the soul and he shared it with the world.
Hard to find real people today. Ralphie was real and always kept it real.
A lot of folks will continue to discover him and be saddened, just as I was, to learn he now walks with the angels. I hope he makes them laugh just as he made us laugh on earth.
They need it. Angels carry some heavy stuff on their shoulders.
Condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Thank you for the laughter Ralphie. God knows we need it in this day and time.
Gone way too soon.
My most sincerest condolences to all the family. I never had the pleasure to attend one of his shows but I can truly say that he will be missed. And also thank you for all the laughs.
We loved you man and always will, I guess you're taking my grinder to heaven with you. Doesn't matter I stopped smoking weed yesterday. Godspeed Ralphie and remember how much we loved you.
RIP Ralphie 😢 I just started watching you about a week ago, u had me laughing out loud, all by myself. You were definitely were a funny man but you also looked like u had such a kind heart. I know this sounds strange but I just found out u passed away and my heart is broken. Your comedy will forever be funny and you will be forever missed , thanks for making us laugh Ralphie god bless u and your family â¤ï¸ðŸ™
I'm so sad that you passed away...
I loved watching your stand ups and I Googled you one day and found out that you passed. Hope your enjoying heaven with good people and good company and comedians.
Was watching your stand ups on Facebook, thought you were really funny mate, so I decided to google you, and only just found out you had sadly passed away, I hope your resting in paradise Ralphie, no doubt your making them laugh up there.
I just recently found your stand-up show on the web. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. I wish that my wife and I could have seen you in person. You will definitely be remembered along with the top names of comedy. I will continue to watch your stand-up. What a talent!
You were great man. I just wish you had taken better care of yourself and called a doctor.
The brightest stars always burn out the fastest. 😢
Oh my gosh. I'm in shock. I hadn't even heard. U were an amazing comedian and will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family. We lost him way too early. RIP Ralphie May
I’m sincerely sorry for your loss of Ralph. Your grief in losing such a special loved one must be overwhelming. No one knows the depth of your feelings like our Creator does. God promises that he will give you support at this time at 2 Corinthians 4:7 which says that God can give us, "... power beyond what is normal," to go from one day to the next. This does not mean that you will no longer cry or that you will forget, but it means you will recover. You will recover because of the hope he had written down. Jesus Christ talked about this hope in John 5:28 "... all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out." Jesus was referring to the resurrection, this is the amazing hope! The Bible likens hope to an anchor. Just like an anchor stabilizes a ship, hope will stabilize you, keep you from drowning in overwhelming sadness. 2 Corinthians 1:3 describes our Creator as "... the God of all comfort." Another way that God will comfort you is by moving people who care about you to give you words of encouragement that you need to hear. When he brings the reality of his promised resurrection, he will replace your tears of pain with tears of joy.
Rip to a comedy legend. There will never be another comedian like you. Gone too soon.
I was in algebra with Ralphy . He’s the only reason I passed. He looked out for me when I needed it. He was always true to himself. I’ve followed his career and was proud of him. He will be missed.
The world is a lesser place without ya bro
I did not know Ralphie May ,but have friend that are really good friends of Ralphie. I'm really sorry for your loss. I pray family and friends with Gods help have strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Very saddened about the loss of Ralphie. He was a lifelong and good friend to my brother Sean West. Ive always enjoyed hearing stories about Ralphie and his friends from Sean. He will be missed. R.I.P Ralph
Thoughts and prayers for you all. Thank you Ralphie for your funny memories of growing up around here. You will make people laugh forever.
I was so sorry to hear of Ralphie’s passing. I have fond memories of him at the church as a kid. Always the funny one. Prayers for your peace & comfort.
My deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ralphie in person but I feel like I've known him at least twenty years. I know he was a stand up guy and will be greatly missed
My condolences to Ralphie’s family and friends. He was such a good friend to me for a long time and always picked me up when I was down. My heart and soul already misses him so much.
RIP Ralphie you will be missed by many. Hugs to your family .
My condolences to the family and close friends . you were loved by many Ralphie . R.I.P
You made me laugh
Sue Ann and family. Please know you are in my prayers. Love you, Pauleta.