Scott Fitzhugh May Sr.'s Obituary
Scott Fitzhugh May, Sr., a lifelong Memphian, attorney, outdoorsman, conservationist, raconteur, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026.
His family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, love, and support during this time.
Scott lived a life shaped by an unwavering love for the people and places he cherished most. His greatest joy was spending time outdoors with his family and friends. He relished entertaining his patient friends and family by telling lively and usually lengthy stories of his past adventures.
Born on January 8, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, Scott was the son of Helen Fitzhugh May and Walter Davis May, Jr. He grew up in Memphis, attended Presbyterian Day School, and graduated from Memphis University School. During his youth, he proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement he carried with him for the rest of his life.
Scott attended Auburn University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. After graduating, he continued his education at Vanderbilt University Law School, earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree before returning to Memphis to practice law for more than 50 years.
For his entire life, Scott enjoyed spending summers at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly on the Cumberland Plateau where he developed passions for hiking, camping, caving, and exploring waterfalls—interests he later shared enthusiastically with his sons and their friends. Known affectionately as “Uncle Scott,” he was always eager to guide young people on adventures, encouraging them to discover the beauty of the natural world. He later sought to encourage youth athletics and played a role in the development of the youth sports complex that later became pickleball courts. In Monteagle his greatest love was the stewardship of the Warren’s Point Overlook and the creation and use of the nature trails which are and will continue to be enjoyed by hikers for years to come.
In his 20s and 30s, Scott became an avid kayaker and whitewater rafter. He also took up scuba diving. His final dive—off the coast of Belize—was completed in his 70s.
Over his life, Scott’s passion for the land grew into a lifelong commitment to conservation. He served on boards including the Friends of South Cumberland State Park and the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Commission, helping to preserve countless acres of at-risk land for future generations.
An accomplished and avid sportsman, Scott spent innumerable hours hunting and fishing across West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Eastern Arkansas. He treasured time in the field with his sons and friends, hosting dove hunts at Fox Den and Mound City farms. He relished hunting dove and deer in the fall, ducks in the winter, and turkey in the spring. He was a former member of Hatchie Coon and Duck Lake hunting clubs. He was also enthusiastic about wildlife conservation and supported organizations including Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Wild Turkey Federation, and Trout Unlimited.
Above all, Scott treasured his family and his faith. He was deeply devoted to his three sons, two daughters-in-law, and three granddaughters, each of whom he loved beyond measure. His happiest moments were spent with them— watching them hunt, hike, perform, swim, shoot trap, and play sports. He adored hosting cookouts, sharing stories, and creating memories that will endure for generations. Scott was a faithful member of Second Presbyterian Church since 1986.
Scott will be remembered for his warmth and his desire to be surrounded by others. His was a life well lived, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Davis May, Jr. and Helen Fitzhugh May.
He is survived by his former wife, Linda May Magevney (Dick); his sons Scott Fitzhugh May, Jr., Walter Preston May (Eloise), and George Kirby May (Windy); and his beloved granddaughters Brooks, Eloise, and Wesley.
He is also survived by his sister Agnes May Short (Lindsey) along with his nieces Ashley Short Grigsby (Stedman), Shelley Short Matthews (Colin), Sidney Short Fagan (Jason); and Shelly Morse Malone (Patrick) and their children.
He is additionally survived by his devoted companion, Sandra Shinault.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly’s Nature Trails, Give to MSSA or 1 Assembly Avenue P.O. Box 307, Monteagle, TN 37356. Memorial contributions can also be made to the Memphis University School, Give to MUS or 6191 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary at Second Presbyterian Church (4055 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111). The family will receive visitors in the Connector to the Sanctuary from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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