Richard Thomas May

Richard T. May, 90, of Hurst, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026.

Richard was a dedicated public servant, father, friend, and Christian who accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. His love of God, strong work ethic, warm smile, and gentle nature are just a few of the qualities that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His generosity and compassion were boundless, reflected in the many family members and friends to whom he opened both his heart and his home.

Richard was born in Springfield, Kentucky, and moved with his family to San Antonio, Texas, at the age of two. As a young man, he delivered newspapers in the King William area of San Antonio and worked at H-E-B before landing his dream job with the San Antonio Police Department. During his more than 20 years of service, he rose to the rank of supervisor of sergeants and helped establish the first crime lab serving the city and surrounding counties. He retired after a distinguished career in law enforcement.

After retirement, Richard moved to Hurst, Texas, where he helped establish a law enforcement academy in the Mid-Cities area of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Following its successful development, he joined the City of Irving Marshal’s Department, where he eventually retired for a second time. Later, he worked part-time delivering flowers for Bices Florist in Hurst, Texas before retiring permanently to care for his beloved wife, Zilpha, with whom he shared more than 60 years of marriage.

A man of deep faith and service, Richard volunteered in many ways within his church community. He drove the church bus, coached youth leagues, assisted with Bible studies, and faithfully reached out to at-risk youth in the local community.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Zilpha May; parents, Richard and Talitha May; his sister, Nancy Dosdall; and his brother, Bobby May.

He is survived by his loving children: Debbie Hood (Darrell), Donna Vasquez (David), Diane Flores (Jorge), and Thomas May. He was blessed with five grandchildren—Nathan, Jacob, Sarah, Brennon, and Austin—and three great-grandchildren, Matthew, Sparrow, and Shiloh. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas May.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, the Alzheimer’s Association – North Texas Chapter, or a favorite church or charitable organization. Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County 5740 Airport Freeway Haltom City, TX 76117, Alzheimer’s Association – North Texas Chapter Attn: Donation 2630 West Fwy #100 Fort Worth, TX 76102.

A viewing will be on February 23, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Ridge Funeral Home, 8525 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills TX 76182.
His funeral Services will be on February 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Forest Ridge Funeral Home 8525 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills TX 76182.
A graveside service will follow, February 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery, 5725 Colleyville, TX 76034.