Friends, family and loved ones, far and wide, on November 10, 2023, the life of one of our mountain sons reached its journey’s end. Joshua David Phillips May, referred to as “Joshmay,” was born in Lexington, raised near Salyersville in Magoffin Co., Kentucky on a small farm of mountain horses and some cattle. He walked the hills and hollers and brought himself into concrete jungles, landscapes aplenty and perhaps most easily found himself in the hearts of those he experienced in life.
Josh’ livelihood centered around his passions. His heart sang through record production and distribution at DIY label Karmic Swamp Records, production at June Appal Recordings, playing and performing banjo alongside friends and in sound engineering at Lexington venues and events. His talents were evident as a freelance website and graphic designer and his wisdom purveyed in humility and empathy shown through love and openness to all.
The multitude of Josh’ endeavors aimed to encourage Appalachian community and culture, being involved in the Stay Together Appalachian Youth (STAY) Project, involvement with Appalshop and Appalachian Media Institute, as a founding member of Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange, and in his willingness to uphold our dear region for the richness oft unseen.
Josh is survived by his parents, father and stepmother, David and Sherry May of Salyersville, Ky; mother and stepfather, Vicci Phillips-Stone and Ron Stone of Winchester, Ky; his brother, Jonathan May of Lexington, Ky; and paternal grandparents, Lowell and Mary Sue May of Salyersville, Ky. In light of this sudden, befallen tragedy, Josh has given the full donation of life through Kentucky Organ Donors Association (KODA) and had expressed his desire to have a green burial, his final gifts back to the world.
Visitation was held at the Magoffin County Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, followed by private burial at the Kennard Family Cemetery in Logville, Ky. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, a celebration of Josh’ life will be held at the Salyersville Renaissance Building from 1PM – 3PM. All are encouraged to attend to share stories, music and the zest in life that Josh so valued. In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations be made in Josh’ honor to any of the following organizations:
Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange
(https://www.kyrux.org/donate)
The STAY Project
(https://www.thestayproject.net/take-action)
Appalshop
(https://appalshop.salsalabs.org/AppalshopGeneralGiving/index.html)
Arrangements were under the direction of the Magoffin County Funeral Home.
www.magoffincountyfuneralhome.com
