Fredrick James May

Obituary Fred was born in Minnesota on August 23, 1926, and left this world on Sept. 1, 2016. At an early age his family moved to Tacoma, where he attended Stadium High. Fred entered the Navy at age 17 and served on a minesweeper in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon his return he married Beverly Downey and had two children. After their divorce, he met, fell in love with, and married Peggy Llewellyn and soon became a father to her three children. Fred unexpectedly lost Peggy, his life partner, in 2006. He spent his civilian career working for the military in the procurement division and attained the rank of Major while in the Army Reserve. Fred was predeceased by Peggy, and third wife Mary. He is survived by his sister Audrey Kristjanson, children Wendy Strange and Jim May, and stepchildren Ruth Woodworth, Janet Chaney, and Jim Llewellyn, along with numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dad loved music, a good meal, and corny jokes. True to his Minnesotan roots, there was a special place in his heart for Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon. We would like to think Dad is in a place where "all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average." A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 5510 N 44th St., Tacoma, on Sept. 15th at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MultiCare Hospice, PO Box 5200, MS 3901-1-HH, Tacoma, WA 98415. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home (253) 572-6003.