Life of a Simple Man: A Tribute to Kenny May
The start of Clyde May's Whiskey begins with the story of Clyde May himself. Clyde was a true craftsman who worked tirelessly to produce the finest whiskey anyone had ever tasted. One would be correct to assume that he did accomplish his goal of making such a high quality product as is evident by the legacy he left behind.
Ironically enough, Clyde's greatest accomplishment in life was not the whiskey that he made. Instead, it was the family that he raised. He was determined to teach to his children the values that he stood for. Fortunately, he was able to use his life as a farmer and moonshiner to teach his children to be honest, loving, and, most importantly, hard working.
All these qualities were especially strong in Kenny May, Clyde's second oldest son. While the story and whiskey comes from Clyde, Kenny started the actual business itself.
Kenny envisioned carrying on his father's name and legacy by legally producing and creating a whiskey brand. Executing such a task was something that proved to be nearly impossible to do in the state of Alabama. He embraced the challenge and approached it with a level head and a relentless work ethic.
10 years after Clyde May made his final batch of his whiskey, Kenny was able to continue all that he had worked for by creating Conecuh Ridge Spirits. In 2004, Clyde May's Whiskey became the Official State Spirit of Alabama. 28 states have adopted an official state "beverage", and Alabama is the only one to have an alcoholic drink as its official state beverage.
All of these things were made possible by the work of two simple men.
Despite his success establishing Conecuh Ridge Distillery, life was not always kind to Kenny. However, no one could ever tell that by the way he presented himself.
Life can sometimes bring the most positive people down. Not Kenny. Life sometimes makes one question their decisions. Not Kenny. Life sometimes forces a person to turn their back to the ones they love. Definitely not Kenny.
So it surprised no one that Kenny did not get down when he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
"I'm not worried about it because I am going fight it." Kenny said. "I am going to beat it."
He never wanted anyone to worry about his pain. He kept a smile on his face and a positive attitude through it all. He fought the battle not for himself but for his family, which is a quality that he definitely inherited from his father.
Kenny passed away on September 17, 2016. Some might say that he "lost his battle to cancer." That could not be further from the truth. You have only lost a battle when you give up, and Kenny May never gave up.
Kenny will be remembered as a man who was genuinely happy to see and talk with you. His positivity and love had a way of brightening your day and his memory will certainly continue to brighten ones day.
Kenny May lived his life to the fullest and proved that he was much more than just a simple man. Despite many hardships, Kenny was an excellent father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and person. That is all one could ever ask for in a life that is much too short.