Obituary of William Terrell May, Sr.

William Terrell "Bill" May, Sr., 70 of  Bedford, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.  Bill was born on Saturday, April 4, 1953 in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, a son of the late Earl H. May and Mary Jane Drumheller May.  

Bill worked in the retail furniture business most of his life after graduating from Mississippi State University and tried to make shopping for furniture a fun experience for his friends and customers.  He was a member of  Bedford Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Usher.  He was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan, and was a jokester who enjoyed playing tricks on his friends.  He liked to fish and golf, enjoyed camping and biking, gardening and feeding the birds and was always listening to a variety of music. He was always helping his son on the farm in his spare time.   

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen Weaver May; his sons, William Terrell May, Jr. & wife, Heather of Bedford, Alan Michael May & wife, Meagan of Pilot Mountain, NC; four special grandchildren, Brayley, Tripper, Reagan and Sawyer; his brothers, Earl H. May, Jr. & wife, Teresa of Columbia, SC, Robert J. May, Sr. & wife, Tammie of Ashland, VA as well as many cousins on the May & Drumheller side and numerous nieces and nephews.  

The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA 24523 or the Shepherd's Table at Bedford Christian Ministries, 217 W. Washington Street, Bedford, VA 24523.    

A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11 AM on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Khol officiating.  The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 PM on Sunday at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.  

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.