William Allen May Sr.'s Obituary
William Allen “Bill” May Sr., better known to many as “Wild Bill,” of Muskegon, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026, peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 84.
Bill was the kind of man you didn’t forget. Stubborn as they come, naturally hilarious without even trying, and softer underneath it all than he would probably ever admit. He lived life fully and unapologetically. If you knew Bill, you knew two things for certain: he was never leaving the house without his suspenders, and there was a very good chance a swear word was coming next.
From 1958 to 1962, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. After returning home, he built a life rooted in hard work and family, spending over 30 years at Sealed Power until his retirement in 1996.
But to many, Bill was best known at the racetrack. An avid race car driver who raced all over the state of Michigan, he earned the nickname “Wild Bill May”. Racing wasn’t just a hobby, it was part of who he was. One of his greatest joys later in life was watching his children and grandchildren carry on the sport he loved so much.
Outside of racing, Bill found happiness in the simple things: tinkering in the garage, keeping his lawn just right, backyard BBQs with his kids and grandkids, and most importantly, spending time with family at the cabin in Ruby Creek. Those moments, loud, chaotic, funny, and full of love, were where Bill was happiest.
Above everything else, Bill’s heart belonged to, Cindy, his wife of 46 years, and to the family they built together. Though he came from a generation known more for tough love than tender words, the people closest to him saw the way his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren softened him over the years. In the end, they didn’t just soften his heart, they completely stole it.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude May-Kinsman, and his grandson, Robbie Katzenbach.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia A. May; his children, Billy (Kim) May, Bob (Elaine) May, Mike (Teresa) McKenna, Becky Katzenbach, Michelle (Matt) Sprague, Bruce (Tammy) May, and Lisa (Leroy) Bayne; along with 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Bill lived a full life exactly the way he wanted to: fast, loud, hardworking, surrounded by people he loved, and probably swearing the whole way through it.
The family finds comfort knowing that somewhere, Wild Bill is finally free of pain, telling stories, checking out the nearest racetrack, and reminding everyone around him exactly how things ought to be done.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Hospice Foundation.
Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services -- Muskegon Chapel -- (231)-722-5050
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