The Honorable Edward E. May was born, reared and educated in Mobile County, Alabama. Ed May first came to Bessemer, his wife Patricia's hometown, in 1974. The couple has two sons: Edward E. May II and Joseph K. May.

Ed May holds degrees from both Alabama A&M University and Miles College School of Law. He has been admitted to the practice of law in the State of Alabama since 1980. He has practiced law in the Birmingham area since then and is the owner of the Law Firm of Edward E. May & Associates. He is also a past president of the Magic City Bar Association.

A Vietnam Veteran, Ed May is also very active in the community. He has served as a past member of the Industrial Development Board for the City of Fairfield, Alabama, a former professor at Miles College School of Law, past President of the Forrest Hills Middle School P.T.A. Executive Board, among many other activites. May also serves as an Associate Minister at the New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama.