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Ralphie May

1972 - 2017

BORN

1972

DIED

2017

Ralphie May Obituary

Ralphie May, the stand-up comedian whose career took off after appearing on “Last Comic Standing,” died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, of cardiac arrest in Las Vegas, according to multiple news sources. He was 45.

May had been battling pneumonia over the last month, which had affected his performing schedule at Harrah’s in Las Vegas, according to a statement by his publicist released on social media.

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He finished in second place on the stand-up comedy competition, “Last Comic Standing” in 2003. Appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,”“The Wayne Brady Show,” and four stand-up specials on Comedy Central followed, according to Variety.

May was born in Tennessee, but raised in Arkansas. He got his start in comedy in the clubs of Houston. He had been recently named the Casino Comedian of the Year at the Global Gaming Expo.

May is survived by his wife Lahna Turner and their children, April June, and August James May.
Published by The Gazette on Oct. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralphie May

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246 Entries

Leland Francis

March 3, 2025

Thank you for the laughs Ralphie! I just recently discovered your comic brilliants and didn't realize you had left. RIP big guy!

Leland Francis (Digby, Nova Scotia Canada)

Rita Duffy

September 23, 2023

Your jokes taught us to think about all the injustices in our world. Genius mind used for good.

Dru Likens Pape

August 28, 2023

Ralphie May, You truly made the world a better place with your comedic genius! Thank you for leaving so much to make us laugh.... We need it! Love you! Keep the Angels in stitches!

Ulf Haukenes

March 22, 2023

Legend!!! thank you for all the REAL DEAL laughs. I watch you every time I need stomach laughter medicine. Bless you and your family. So sorry for their loss. Love from Norway

Abel Acedo

March 11, 2023

I love you Ralphie and will miss you forever I´ll never forget the laughs & happiness you´ve brought me & everybody! Rest in peace big man see u on the other side.

Kimberlee Hernandez

November 23, 2021

I just recently started watching videos of his act after watching him on DryBar. He was definitely one talented man. I am so sad to learn today of his passing just over three years ago. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, children, and all those who love him. Thank you God for the time you gave him here on Earth so many could learn to love him in their own way.

Dana Wilburn

September 1, 2021

I just recently picked up on his act he was hilarious. And I hate that he passed away godspeed my friend.

Robert May

June 7, 2021

I think all Mays joke about naming their daughter April. Leave it to Ralphie to actually do it. Your missed brother.

Heide Llewelyn

February 3, 2021

Ooooh Ralphie... Everything you ever said about this world and people that live on this planet was true and funny !!! You were so real and made me seriously think. You absolutely changed the way I see the world now. It made me want to change myself to be a better person. I watch your videos and I just bust up, I mean BUST UP LAUGHING !!! I truly miss you on this planet. Until we meet in spirit....I Love you Ralphie May

Dawn Adams

December 26, 2020

Loved you ralphie.your the funniest comedian I've ever seen.rip angel and fly hi...

Cindy Workman

October 21, 2020

My husband & I tried twice to see Ralphie May once in Naples Florida but the hurricane came so we changed to Las Vegas & two weeks before we were to leave Ralphie May had passed, the comedy world truly lost a legend. I miss your sense of humor and your facial expressions. RIP

Christine Harris

July 16, 2020

I still watch your comedy routines on Netflix and for a short time pretend you didn't pass. I have not a lot to laughter about yet somehow you make it happen full from the stomach laughter. Something the world needs now. Rip.

April 3, 2020

I am sorry regarding the loss of your loved one. I had seen him in Last Comic Standing. I didn't know, he had passed away. My condolences
He was funny.May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family

Wendy Ball

February 9, 2020

So very saddened. Fly high kind friend and remain funny forever.

Ilana Rich

December 19, 2019

Our condolences to his wife Lahna and children. He make us laugh through his videos. We never got to see him live. Sorry this comes so late. We only discovered Mr. May recently . .Our loss. We just dont know how we missed his career. He was the best!! :-/
BDE
Ilana and Michael Rich

Mike & Connie Deo

November 9, 2019

Incredibly funny. Such a big lose for everyone. The world needs more people like Ralphie May. Our deepest condolences to his wife and family.

John Smith

November 3, 2019

Years and years of laughter, you were a star down here and now you are a star up there, make God laugh big man

Jessica Lynn Hepner

October 29, 2019

Thank you for the years of entertainment and all the inspiration. You were an Amazing Comedian and an awesome man. RIP Ralphie.

Chris Wagoner

September 28, 2019

He was a great comedian always made me laugh when times were hard miss u man. I know u are in heaven still making jokes.

Justin Smoker

September 24, 2019

Thank you for continuing to make us laugh here on Earth, Ralphie.

December 22, 2018

RIP BIG GUY
LOVED U LOTS RON N Mary lou NEWHOUSE
VISALIA CA.
When were feeling icky
We just replay ur shows and it makes us feel better!
May our Lord keep you in his glory,, and in place..shhhh!!

Arthur

December 15, 2018

Ralphie was a good hearted genius of wit

Kristal Stiles

October 28, 2018

Great guy. Will truly be missed by millions.

Barbara

May 16, 2018

R.i.p. you made me laugh lots.

D W

April 2, 2018

one of the greatest comedians that I've seen RIP to the GOAT

Donna Hill

March 2, 2018

Just wanted to give you a holler out yep yep We love you Ralphie rest in peace big guy

Doug Huber

March 2, 2018

Ralphie was a great guy. Im really going to miss his comedy. I followed him since last comic standing

Very fortunate to have met Ralphie May. He was so cool and nice. He took pictures signed autographs and took some time to chat as well.

Jared Rayter

February 23, 2018

Kelley Charles

February 20, 2018

You were kind. Many hearts broke when you left. When I pass some day I hope to catch your show in the great comedy club in the sky.

brian cernosek

February 15, 2018

I am still so hurt that my favorite commedian of alll times passed. Never met him personally but he was such an expert in his presentation. RIP!

Rhonda Hodnett

February 13, 2018

You will be missed
Rhonda Hodnett

January 10, 2018

Miss you Ralphie...you were the best....

Your next journey awaits you.

TS Taylor

January 3, 2018

OMG Ralphie! I LOVE you and will miss you so very much. I was lucky enough to have seen you perform in Phoenix 4 times over the past 12 years and you never gave less than 150%. Smart, witty, intelligent and, at times, down and out dirty...but ALWAYS ALWAYS absolutely hilarious!! I will forever cherish those times. Much love to your children and family. Although broken, a little piece of my heart will be forever yours. <3 tst4ralphie

Jan Wasilowski

January 3, 2018

Ralphie may you were awesome,gone to soon RIP

Steve May

January 2, 2018

Had the pleasure of meeting Ralphie and his wife after show at Tennessee Theatre. I too have an "April May". Was a dream of mine from childhood. Miss ya brother.

Brenda Morrow

December 27, 2017

RIP Ralphie. You were a compassionate man. Gone too soon but never forgotten.

Debbie Prescott

December 26, 2017

So sad that the world lost Ralphie. Been a fan for years but never got to see him perform live.
Deepest sympathies to his family, friends and fellow fans.

Dominique Barkley

December 23, 2017

I truly enjoyed this brother...greatly missed!

Kelly Lyn

December 21, 2017

Ralphie was always there for me when life handed me a curve ball. He genuinely cared about me, his friends, and he helped more people than we

Rick

December 4, 2017

Ralphie, You were truly a comical genius and you will be greatly missed. Though we had never met, I cried when you passed. I loved listening to your stand up, it could always turn a sour mood good again. May you forever rest in peace, your legacy will live on.

Cheryl Ivany

November 29, 2017

Best laughs ever over very real issues and of today!! God bless you and rest in peace....your jokes will be remembered forever and will be enjoyed for decades to come. Gone too soon loved by all.

Leonard Tucker

November 23, 2017

Deeply saddened by the news that Ralphie May has died. May the God of All comfort console his wife and children.

Felix Decarrio

November 20, 2017

My hero forever and always, may he rest peacefully.

Ben Doty

November 18, 2017

You are a part of *Heaven* now Ralphie May. You were the greatest. Rest In Peace my friend. God Bless You and Your Family.

Gabriel Beaven

November 16, 2017

Best comic of our time!!!!!

Tommy grubb

November 14, 2017

To soon ralphie good funny men are hard to find my prayers to his family

Anthony lombardo

November 11, 2017

I loved you Ralphie May, Ari Shaffir, Bill Burr,and so ect, ect, and family will miss you. I still remember when you said to Joey Diaz " The doctor said I have PTSD " and Joey Diaz said you have Put The Sandwich Down " syndrome Ohh.. how I laughed There is a God that put you all together I know it ! Anthony Lombardo

Sam Elliot

November 5, 2017

"He Did Not Want Us To Mourn And Be Sad If This Happened, He Wanted Us To Not Think About His Death But Rather His Life And Laugh About All Of The Moments Of His Time He Took To Make Us Feel Good Inside With The Joyous Sounds Of Laughter And Comedic Jokes."

Marla Ward

November 1, 2017

R.I.P. Ralphie May, you will be missed!

October 31, 2017

Ralphie just be real comedy was hysterical and accurate. I spent many hours watching his specials. Very talented comedian! I was so sad to hear of his passing. He worked so hard!! Miss you Ralphie!

Leslie Edmunds

October 31, 2017

You made me laugh when I was feeling down. Thank you! Myself as many others will miss that. You're going to be missed more than you could ever imagine . Thank you again.

Mary Pioneer

October 30, 2017

With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that he will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.

Tracy G.

October 30, 2017

Absolutely my favorite comedian. I would have loved to see him in person. My heart broke when I heard that he was gone. Sending love to his family and friends...

Lesia Shackelford~Miracle

October 30, 2017

Rest easy & thanks for the laughs......

Darlene Bess

October 29, 2017

RALPHIE MAY REST IN PARADISE, YOU WAS A GREAT COMEDIAN.

Kim McClain

October 28, 2017

You made me laugh so many times, Thank you!
Rest in peace, I hope you meet my mom there:)

Robin Doyle

October 28, 2017

May the white light of the Holy Spirit embrace Ralphie with everlasting peace and joy. I'll never forget Ralphie as a wonderful comedian and a overall great person. Condolences to his family in this very sad time.

Wayne Bradley

October 28, 2017

I loved his jokes. He is on "Comics Unleashed" right now. May he rest in peace.

Lonnie Parra (Cajun2daCore)

October 27, 2017

A great man!A great friend and the smartest human being that I ever met! You will be missed brother and never forgotten. Thank you for being you T-Boy!

David Gallardo

October 27, 2017

In my opinion [the GREATEST comedian ever !!!!!good ole boy just telling it like it is.If you got offended oooh well.My daughter and I got to see him in June in San Antonio tx.we bought t-shirts and wore them at a family luncheon....don't know who to follow now...David Gallardo..Mr. G's Boxing gym Austin Texas

Cindy Bishop

October 27, 2017

Oh Ralphie, how sad I am. I really loved you. So happy I was able to see two of your live shows and of course Last Comic Standing. The world lost a great comedian. I lost a little piece of my heart.

Mz Em

October 26, 2017

Dammit Ralphie!, I was just getting to know your work man. Thank you for lending us 45 years of your love and fun. I got your spirit with me as I pursue my own comedic avenue. Big hugs to family and friends.

Carol Allen

October 24, 2017

You will always be missed ! Great talent and know how to give a good laugh ! RIP !

Donna Jacobs

October 24, 2017

We followed you from the beginning of your career. You will be deeply missed.

Patricia Riggi

October 22, 2017

God Bless, Rest in Peace. Thank you for sharing your talent and making me laugh when I needed it most.

Patricia Rivera

October 21, 2017

May God keep you safe. God bless. I'm shocked and extremely saddened at this news. You kept me laughing hard. Keep keeping them laughing. May God watch over your wife and children.

Nancy M

October 21, 2017

In our family we still say we are going to the "O-chin." We laughed hysterically at your comedy, and will always remember you. You are gone too soon.

Drake Day

October 21, 2017

It's unfortunate, the way this great comedian and wonderful person was taken from us so early. I'll never forget the laughs.

Traci Peel

October 20, 2017

Rest In Peace knowing you were one of the best. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to have your name announced as the Casino Entertainment Awards 2017 Comedian of the Year on 10/4/17.

Erin McKelvey

October 19, 2017

I knew Ralph from high school. He was funny then. Our family loved to watch the rise of his career and watched his specials at Christmas. I wish there was more time.

patrick schmidlin

October 19, 2017

a great comic and an even better human being. i was and am one of your biggest fans! RIP

Connie Koski

October 18, 2017

May you Rest In Peace, my deepest condolences to your family. You were one of my favorite comedians.

Michael Laman

October 18, 2017

I met Ralphie and his wife years ago in Houston. Both were lovely people. I'm so sorry he is gone. He cannot be replaced, and he will be missed. He was gracious, funny, and engaging when I met him. Joy he gave and joy he has found.

Cynthia Moragne

October 17, 2017

Always wanted to see him,Rest in Peace. I saw his Tour bus in San Antonio Texas and said I will catch him when I move back to Vegas.Wow I am shock

RJ Charles

October 17, 2017

R.I.P. RALPHIE ! I Started Listening To You While Hauling Crude Swing Shift In 2012 ! Thanks For ALL THE LAUGHS !

gail A.

October 17, 2017

He was a very comedian. Sad, so young.
Rest in piece, Ralphie. Keep them laughing
in Heaven.

John S

October 17, 2017

There are no words to express our feelings. There are no tears able to carry our pain. All we can do is bow our heads and say "Good-bye". The entertainment world will never be the same.

Big Rudy Valentine

October 17, 2017

I hope you were embraced by your Dad, and John Candy!

Clark Rodriguez

October 17, 2017

Ralphie you were my very favorite. I'll miss you brother.

October 16, 2017

Rest In Peace

Barbara Scott

October 16, 2017

You will be missed but you are in comedy heaven

Anthony Arriaga

October 16, 2017

Ralphie May you are funny comedy guy and you the greatest comedy ever and I pray for your family and you will be remember not forgot R.I.P Ralphie May.

Kyle and Linda Steer

October 16, 2017

Heaven has a new stand-up star. Ralphie was an extraordinary talent, taken from us way too soon. A super nice guy could always make you laugh. Condolences to Lana and the children. R.I P.

Blas A. Ramirez

October 16, 2017

Saw Ralphie in San Antonio June 2016 and put a great show on and even continued the show another hour pass his schedule time and just showed you what type of person he was and how he care for his fans. Rest in peace funny man. You were one of the best comedians in our time and I will never forget you. God bless you.

Robin P

October 16, 2017

Ralphie, just saw you at Harrah's in June, RIP Ralphie, never another like u...

October 16, 2017

May the family, friends, and fans gain comfort from the wonderful memories they share during this time of loss. Proverbs 17:17

Chianti

Scott

October 16, 2017

R.I.P.

Brian OCallaghan

October 16, 2017

Very Funny man, He transcended the boundaries of race,sex and weight like no other and he will be missed

Tonya

October 15, 2017

U made me laugh thank you

Lisa

October 15, 2017

RIP You will be missed

Michael Tomak

October 15, 2017

RIP with prayers going out to his family and his children.

Margarita Goehring

October 15, 2017

Rest in peace Ralphie - love you and you can't do anything about. I will miss listening to you on The Rod Ryan show. Margarita G in Wallis, TX

Melony Rhyne

October 15, 2017

Always gonna be the best. Never going to be another like you

Melony Rhyne

October 15, 2017

Ralphie May you were the greatest. I have depression and anytime I need cheering up I watched you and always laughed and felt better instantly. RIP Ralphie.Gonna miss you and your jokes.

Sabrina Harborth

October 15, 2017

RIP Ralphie - You will be missed :-(

John Kukawka

October 15, 2017

Rest in Peace, Ralphie...

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