Alexander May died September 23, 2006 at Providence Hospital, just as the autumnal equinox occurred. He was born on December 27, 1923, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was the grandson of Augustus Hugh May, Jr of New Orleans, who died in Sarasota, Florida, and Florence Lister Land May, who died in New York. His maternal grandparents were William and Catherine Murphy, from Chicago, Illinois. His father was Lawrence Lister May of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Anna Marie Murphy May, of Chicago, Illinois. He was predeceased by his only sibling, Lawrence Lister May, Jr. Alexander May graduated from St. John Berchmans High School in Shreveport. He then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Centenary College in Shreveport. He then attended the State University of Iowa, and the University of Chicago. Until the end of World War II, he worked in the Toxicology Laboratory at the University of Chicago. Afterwards, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Chemistry from LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He then began a long career as an industrial chemist. He worked at International Paper Company, A W Williams Inspection Company, and Ingalls Shipbuilding. He last worked as a research chemist at the Tuscaloosa Research Center, Bureau of Mines, Department of Interior. While at the Bureau of Mines, he also worked in Reno, Nevada, and Amarillo, Texas working on helium purification. He was a Chemist, and specialized in Analytical Chemistry, although he worked in other areas as well. He published over 30 scientific articles, and holds several patents on chemical processes. His hobbies included photography and astronomy. To the end, he was a quintessential scientist, always curious and intelligent. He was Emeritus Staff, University of Alabama. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity; he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the American Chemical Society. He was married in St Patrick's Cathedral in New Orleans, December 28, 1943, and is survived by his wife, Shirley Elizabeth Eagan May. He has nine children, 23 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He also has nieces, nephews, and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Eagan of New Orleans. His children are: Dorothy Anne Dagan of Glendora, California; Dr. Helen Elizabeth May of Yonkers, New York; Dr. Lloyd A. May of Mobile, Alabama; Dr. Michael Eagan May of Nashville, Tennessee; Marie Theresa Saxon of Douglas, Isle of Man; Walter Joseph May of Charlottesville, Virginia; Joseph Anthony May of Birmingham, Alabama; Shirley Marie Savino of Pomona, California; and Edward Thomas May of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, was an avid LSU and Alabama football fan, and enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren. He was affable, kind, and had an outgoing personality. He will be missed by all. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home, Mobile. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning September 27, 2006 from St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in The Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, AL. Funeral arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36606.