In loving memory of
William Allen May
June 10, 1912 - March 16, 2002
MAY, MR.
WILLIAM ALLEN
Muskegon, MI
Mr. William Allen May, age 89, former managing editor and long-time news editor of The Muskegon Chronicle, has died. He also was a prize-winning photographer. After retiring in 1975, he wrote two books - each a 500-year illustrated history of the families May English and Coy Scottish Gaelic MacAoidh - a 10 year project. Copies are in many Northeast and Midwest libraries, including the Library of Congress. The Mormon Genealogical Society microfilmed both books for preservation in its Utah mountain vault.
Born in Owosso, Michigan on June 10, 1912, May began his career as a photographer in 1929 in a New York studio while studying nights. In 1931 he was hired as a reporter and photographer at the Owosso Argus-Press. He wrote an in-depth history of Owosso for the city's 1936 centennial. In 1937, he joined Hearst News in Detroit. He came to The Chronicle in 1941 as a photographer and reporter. Although he won numerous awards for photo work, he put the camera down in 1947 to become news editor, a position he saw as more exciting, the job he held for 20 years and loved. In 1967, he was appointed managing editor. He was an honorary member of the Old Newsies. May and Emily C. Coy, a nurse, were married in Owosso's Christ Episcopal Church in 1933. She died here in 1992.
SURVIVORS:
Surviving are three children; William A. May Jr., Carl Dixiana Hilbrand of Grant; and Michele May of Muskegon. A daughter, Georgia Lynne Mork, died in 1971. There are ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
SERVICE:
The funeral service will be in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Tuesday, March 19, 2002, 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Joe Ashby officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery.
VISITATION:
Sunday, 3-6 PM and Monday, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: For those wishing to do so, the family suggests memorial contributions to go to the Old Newsies, The Chronicle, PO Box 59, Muskegon, MI 49443.
Clock-Muskegon
www.clockfuneralhome.com