Blinn College endowed scholarship honors longtime Washington County Justice of the Peace Roy May

Scholarships will support students pursuing legal careers

September 23, 2024

The family of longtime Washington County Justice of the Peace Roy May has established an endowed scholarship at Blinn College in his memory. May’s family donated $25,000 to the Blinn College Foundation to create a scholarship for students pursuing careers in law.

May, who passed away in October 2014, served more than 18 years as Precinct Three Justice of the Peace (JP). He was appointed unanimously by the Washington County Commissioners Court in August 1996 and was re-elected to multiple terms.

“I wanted to help someone with an interest in becoming a lawyer. I thought Roy would appreciate that,” said his widow, Janice May. “He was very interested in young people. That was one of his main concerns – helping young people when he could. Since our grandchildren went to Blinn, the college has been close to our hearts.”

Blinn College Foundation Board Chair Michael Schaefer said the endowed scholarship will preserve May’s legacy of service and support for students.

“A lot of students are going to benefit because of Janice May’s generosity,” Schaefer said. “Judge May was a believer in helping someone when he could, and this endowed scholarship in his honor will ensure his legacy lives on.”

As a JP, Roy May established the first truancy court in Washington County, advocating for young people with a desire to help every student return to school and receive an education. He was recognized by the College of Justice Court Judges as among the most educated and knowledgeable justices of the peace in Texas.

May was a charter member of the Washington County Bail Bond Board, which was founded in 1999. He was serving as its chairman at the time of his passing.

May’s career also included public service. In 1973, May became an assistant in Gov. Dolph Briscoe’s office, where he helped establish a runaway hotline and later served as its executive director. He also served as assistant director of the Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services and a member of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.

May served as president of the Brenham Noon Lions Club, first vice president and director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, the Texas Justice of the Peace and Constables Association, the Texas Justice Court Judge Association, the College of Justice Court Judges, and the Washington County Republican Club. He was a graduate of a special course at the National Mass Fatalities Institute.

In addition to his public service, May had a deep love for radio. He began working on-air at KPAC Radio in Port Arthur, Texas, at age 13, a passion that continued into his adult years, when he owned and operated several radio stations. In 1989, May and his wife moved to Brenham after purchasing KULF Radio, which they ran for 13 years.

The Blinn Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for Blinn students and expand educational opportunities. It oversees more than 300 endowed scholarships.

Scholarships are available to incoming and returning students from various backgrounds, majors, and experiences. Students are considered based on high academic achievement, participation in student activities, and community involvement.

Current high school and college students can apply for Blinn scholarships by completing the application at www.blinn.edu/scholarships. Before applying for scholarships, students must complete their application for admission to Blinn College at www.applytexas.org.