CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Numerous celebrities were in Ross County on Tuesday to attend the funeral of one of their own.
Lead singer for MercyMe, Bart Millard was seen at the Starbucks on Western Avenue on Tuesday ordering coffee. He is in town with a host of other chart-topping artists for the funeral of area native Rick May. May, 54, of Ashville had been involved in the Christian music scene for years. He was the sound man for MercyMe, who has the number one top selling Christian song of all time, “I can only imagine.” May suddenly died on Friday after a bacterial infection.
Also in town for the Tuesday evening celebration of life was artist Michael Tait and band members of NewsBoys.
May was a part of Christian music history as a member of the Walter Eugenes, drummer for DC Talk, front of house audio engineer for MercyMe, and he also worked with, produced and influenced many young artists in his life.
“Today we lost a legend,” May’s son, Conner, wrote on Instagram. “My dad, my life, my friend went to be in heaven with Jesus. He loved life. He loved people. He loved his family.”
“I love this man so much. MercyMe has a gaping hole tonight. Jesus, be with the Mays!” Millard commented.
“A great man, who has obviously poured greatness into his son…. he was always inspiring, always wind at our backs, always wise, and always loving… I always left his side feeling better about myself because he spoke life into my soul…. I will miss my friend, and I know a lot of us will,” hit music artist TobyMac wrote.
“He is on to a better place where he will suffer no more, but make no mistake, he will be dearly, dearly missed. I will be praying for you guys… God is present in the valley, I promise.”
According to ChurchLeaders.com, Conner explained that his father had spent the past month battling a fungal infection in his lungs, which he described as the experience of having “highs” and “lows.”
“We were told at some points that he would be able to go home,” he added.
May, however, suffered another infection last week that put his body in shock and caused liver failure.
“Today, he was surrounded by people he loved. People he poured into relationally. People that he continually has been Uncle Rick for time after time again. He had such a heart for those that needed purpose. He had [a] vision that was always beyond what others could see. He was always calling out more in people like a true father always would,” Conner’s post stated.
“My mom and I love him deeply,” Conner added. “We know his legacy lives on. We know it runs deep in our veins. My dad told me this past month he wanted to see heaven on earth. We told each other when he gets out of the hospital, we were going to change the world. The truth is, he has already changed the world. His life is a true example of what it looks like to be a world changer.”
