LTC Billy Wayne May

Billy Wayne May (LTC, ret.) passed away peacefully, at his home Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Bill had suffered a long illness, but was lucid to the end, always kind and loving. His family is so grateful that now he is whole and healed.

Born in Hebert, Louisiana, March 22, 1937, to Joseph Cooley and Nola Kirkland May, Bill had a childhood of forest and field, playing basketball with friends, and just enjoying a typical Southern upbringing. Always a churchgoer, his parents provided a firm upbringing, but one that understood the importance of honesty and hard work. Those qualities he carried throughout his life. At an early age, his athletic ability was apparent, and he was encouraged by coaches to pursue baseball and basketball, both of which paved the way for scholarship offers from Louisiana State University, Northeast Louisiana State University, and other colleges. He eventually graduated from NE Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he was a full athletic and ROTC scholarship recipient. His rebound record in basketball still stands.

Colonel May graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in education and subsequently entered the United States Army as a second lieutenant, Infantry. He is a graduate of several service schools, including the Infantry Office Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and numerous other specialized courses. He earned a master’s degree in Personnel Management from Webster College, St. Louis, Missouri.

Throughout his military career, Colonel May served in many capacities as a commander and staff officer in the continental United States and overseas in Germany, Vietnam, and Thailand. During three tours in Vietnam, he served as a subsector advisor with the U.S. Military Advisory Group, Mekong Delta, 1965-1966. In 1968-1969, he was Battalion Operators Officer (S-3) with the 25th Division, CuChi. In 1973, he was Operations Officer with the MACV Headquarters until the Vietnam War ceasefire. He briefed General Abrams daily on the occurring events of the war in-country as they occurred. At the time of the ceasefire, he was sent to Thailand as Executive Officer to General Cooksey, the three-star general and Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Support Group, Thailand. One of the major roles of that position was to search for missing Americans. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Colonel May served as the Post Executive Officer, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Colonel May’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “V” device with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and five Air Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Airborne Badge. Many other awards for distinguished service and superior management performance and valor in combat were bestowed upon Colonel May during his service.

After the Command General Staff College term, Colonel May was selected to design and develop what came to be called the Army Humvee Project in San Jose, California, where he traveled for several years to complete that project. In fact, he named the Humvee, later vital for Army training and service in Desert Storm and subsequent campaigns. Upon retirement, Colonel May was a JROTC instructor at Vigor High School where his teams won many competitions and scholarships. He retired from the Mobile County School System as Director of Army Instruction in 2000.

Colonel May was married to Carol Uzzell May for almost sixty years. He was the beloved father of Debra Lynn May Booth, Stephen Brian May, William Randolph May, and David Wayne May and the proud grandfather of Kyle Logan Booth, Stephen Parker May, Cody Dickson, Devon Dixon, and Eliza Ann May and great-grandchildren Lily and Rhett Booth. His many nieces and nephews were devoted to Uncle Bill, from childhood to the present. He was so grateful to his military friends in Military Officers of America for their friendship and interest over the years.

As a member of Springhill Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama, for 37 years, Colonel May enjoyed his Sunday School class and the leaders who supported him, particularly Norman Williams and the pastor, Dr. Ben Stubblefield, during his last illness.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10:00 a.m.until 11:00 a.m. at Springhill Baptist Church, 2 McGregor Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Oddfellow Cemetery, Irvington, AL with full military honors.