William “Bill” Henry May, Jr., age 99, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Bill was born on Tuesday, September 7, 1926, in Mechanicsburg to the late William Henry May, Sr. and Gail (Eckert) May. Bill was the widower of Helen Marie (Wolfe) May, whom he married on June 9, 1951, and who died on July 5, 2025.

Bill’s survivors include his son: Jeffery May and wife, Ava, of Mechanicsburg; his two granddaughters: Andrea Cockrell and husband, Casey, of Brownsboro, Al and Danielle Beaverson and husband Timothy "TJ", of Mechanicsburg; his five great-grandchildren: Hailey Beaverson, James Cockrell, Emma Beaverson, Avery Cockrell, and Hudson Cockrell; his sister: Marilyn Finkenbinder of Carlisle; and one niece and two nephews.

Bill graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1945 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy at the end of WW II.  Following his honorable service, Bill returned to his roots, working diligently for Eberly Lumber Company for more than 40 years. While at Eberly Lumber he continued to work on his family’s farm and with his late wife, Helen, Bill owned and operated May’s Greenhouse, a venture that stood as a symbol of their partnership and shared passion for nurturing growth. After retiring, Bill continued to lend his expertise to Stauffers of Kissel Hill Home and Garden Store, where his knowledge and friendly demeanor were greatly valued. His unwavering work ethic was evident throughout his life, a trait that earned him respect from all who knew him.  Outside of his professional endeavors, Bill found joy in simple pleasures. He enjoyed gardening, maintaining his flower beds and working outdoors. He also cherished spending quality time at the beach with his family and had a fondness for cruises and activities that brought him happiness and created lasting memories with his loved ones

All are welcome to join Bill’s family at his Graveside Interment Service on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with his service beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 327 West Winding Hill Road, in Mechanicsburg; with Pastor Lane Lebo officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard. Bill’s family invites everyone, even those not present at the cemetery, to join them at 12:00 p.m. for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation); Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots, immediately following the service. 

Contributions in celebration of Bill’s life can be made to Homeland at Home Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to New Hope Ministries, 5228 E Trindle Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, Give Resources - New Hope Ministries - Sharing Christ's Love By Meeting Human Needs.

Bill’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Bill’s full obituary, view his memorial video and photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle, and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.