Obituary of William Earl May

Mr. William Earl May, age 78, of Highway 421, Vilas, NC, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021 at his home. Earl was born September 1, 1942 in Watauga County to Bill and Bessie Eggers May. The Lord blessed Earl with a special musical talent. From age 7, he used his beautiful gift to share the story of God's love and saving grace with churches and communities all around. His quick wit and ability to tell a joke brought a smile to everyone he met. Earl was a member and former Sunday school teacher at Mountain Dale Baptist Church, serving as a deacon since June 1969. He retired from Appalachian State University in 2005 and was blessed to have more time to enjoy playing, singing and songwriting during retirement. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth Moody May, sister-in-law Nell May of Mountain City, TN, the Moody in-laws: Ray (Pat), Dean (Jennie), Carl (Lennis), Bernice Braswell, AR (Pansy), Carolyn Wilson (Dale), Judy McNamee (Don), and Ivan, 20 nieces and nephews, and a host of wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, three brothers: Austin, Travis Clyde (TC) and Ted May, sister-in-law Bengie May and brother-in-law Dean Braswell. A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 2:00 pm in the Mountain Dale Baptist Church Cemetery in Vilas, NC. Pastor Eric Cornett and Preacher Derick Wilson will officiate. Friends may visit Austin & Barns Funeral Home Monday from noon until 5 o'clock and Tuesday from 9 AM until noon to pay respects and sign the guest register. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of Earl's favorite missionary projects: the "B" Dollar Bible Program at Mountain Dale Baptist Church (Travis Cornett, 521 Bamboo Heights, Boone, NC 28607) or Medi-Home Hospice (400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607). The May family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the members of Mountain Dale Baptist Church and many much-loved friends for their love and support over the years, the staff at Watauga Medical Center, Dr. Nicholas Placentra, Medi-Home Hospice caregivers: Holly, Michael, Nechia, Lindsey, Liz, Rodney and Johnny, and Austin & Barnes Funeral Services for their care and kindness. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the May family.