Melvin "Al" Allen May

Melvin Allen “Al” May, 84, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Al was born on March 27, 1942, in Waynesboro, Virginia, to the late Melvin S. May and Lillian A. May. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy May.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cyrenthia “Sam” May, who was the love of his life and his constant companion; his daughters, Karen May Marklein (Jim) and Kimberly May Hayes (Mike); his grandchildren, Cade, Claire, Michael, and Madelyn; many great-grandchildren; and his faithful dog, Hermione.

Al formed a special bond with Melaney Flowers (Jay), who became like family. Melaney’s children, Al’s goddaughters, Scarlett Wolfe and Olivia Flowers, were a steady presence in Al’s life. Holidays were often spent together, and he took particular joy in hosting poolside gatherings—standing at the grill while others relaxed nearby, content to provide and take care of those around him.

He began his career in construction with DuPont in Waynesboro, a path that led him to Old Hickory, Tennessee, and eventually to Wilmington, North Carolina. Over the years, he became a supervisor and store manager, overseeing operations at three sites. Those who worked with him respected his steady hand, his reliability, and his quiet way of getting things done. He retired from the Cape Fear site in 1999.

Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Through Al May Clock Repair, he spent his days restoring antique and modern clocks--work that suited him well. It required patience, precision, and care, all qualities he carried throughout his life.

Al was a generous man in ways both large and small. He showed his care not in words, but in what he did—providing, fixing, showing up, and staying steady. Above all, his life was marked by his deep love for his wife and those he chose to hold close.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his craftsmanship, and the way he cared for others without drawing attention to himself. He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life for Al will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the Millbrook Baptist Church Chapel with the Reverend Bill Howard, III officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society), or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC