Mr. Benjamin May, Sr.

Benjamin R. May Sr. was born on March 23, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio to James and Bessie May. He was one of five children. In 1953, James moved his family to Gary, Indiana. Benjamin attended kindergarten at Pilgrim Baptist Church and completed at Lincoln Elementary School. He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age, joined Pilgrim Baptist Church, and graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School in 1966.  In 1967 Benjamin began working at U.S. Steel. That same year, he married Deborah Smith, and from their union, Benjamin R. May Jr. and Yolanda M. May were born. As steel production declined, Ben pursued further education at Ivey Tech College and earned his certification as a Millwright. He secured employment at Bethlehem Steel where he worked until retirement.  

After retiring, Ben moved back to Toledo, Ohio to be closer to family. In 2012, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to be near his son and grandchildren. Throughout his life, Ben was known for his skills and passion- earning the nickname “Hook” for his signature bowling style and precision on the basketball court. In Georgia, he spent much of his time working on cars, helping others with repairs, watching sports, and cherishing moments with his family.

On March 17, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with illness, Benjamin R. May Sr. transitioned from time into eternity. He entered a home not made with hands, where sickness and strife no longer exist. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James May; his sister, June May;-Lockett; his daughter, Yolanda May-Watson; and his grandson Johnathan May.  He leaves to cherish his memory, loving and devoted son, Benjamin R. May Jr., his sister, Barbara Jean (Benjamin) Garner; his brother, Johnny (Zena) May; his Stepson, Antone Hunter, godson, Dewayne Brown; Six grandchildren, Benjamin R. May III, Joshua L. Watson, Jeremiah Watson, LaSharion May- Woods, Brittnay (Jeremy) Williams, Brianna M. Watson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ben’s legacy of love, dedication, and perseverance will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Benjamin May, Sr., please visit our floral store.