Billy Lee May passed away surrounded by his extended family on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 at the age of 82. He was born on July 12th, 1941, and raised in Switzer, West Virginia. Billy had quite the journey through life.

Billy served in the Army from '61 to '67 rocking the rank of Staff Sergeant and earning both the Medal of Accommodation and the Purple Heart during his Vietnam War tour. Talk about a hero! After that, he did a stint with Boeing for a couple of years before landing a gig at the United States Post Office, where he climbed the ladder to become the local Postmaster in Tacoma and the surrounding areas. The man dedicated 25 years to the USPS, wrapping it up in '99 with an award for racking up over 2,000 hours of unused sick leave. Now that's what you call dedication!

He decided to retire in '99 and from then on Billy lived his best life. An enthusiastic woodworker, he crafted furniture that became family treasures. But wait, there is more - he even built an electric truck, and guess what? He donated it to Veterans Affairs. Talk about a guy with a big heart!

For the last 23 years, Billy soaked up retirement like a champion. He cruised with his four granddaughters, explored different states, visited his family in West Virginia, and even took a trip to Disneyland. This guy was no couch potato – he did it all! Helicopter rides, parasailing, fly fishing, and even dabbled in stained glass art – Billy was living on the edge and loving it.

Billy is left behind by his loving sister, Patsy Ojeda and her crew. He is also survived by his pride and joy; his sons, Patrick and Billy and their lovely wives. Gotta mention his three amazing grandchildren – Amanda Rose Wisely, her husband Jeff, Gabriel Elisabeth May, and Kayla Leighann May – they meant the world to him. And shoutout to his five great-grandkids; Liam, Caleb, Brooklyn, Daniel, and Paxton, who he would wish a taste of his adventurous side. "Cheers to a life well-lived!"

Billy is also survived by his beloved companion Charlene Hicks, the person who made his heart sing and whose companionship who brought back the light and happiness to his journey. Charlene's three daughters; Anneliese Cole, Annette Hicks, and Alaina Hicks, along with their husbands, and eight grandchildren; Chloe, Kayla, David, Joanna, Otto, Aslan, Arion, and Sara, also join the celebration of his life.

Billy now joins his folks, Vero, and Mary Alice, and his brother "Pig" in the great beyond; his adoring spouse of four decades, Gertrude May, who helped create a quilt of cherished moments; and his granddaughter, Hannah Nicole May. Now, together they are up there absolutely causing a ruckus and having a great time together.

In lieu of flowers, Billy's family suggests considering a donation to Veteran Affairs in his honor. Let us keep his legacy alive, celebrating a life well-lived, full of love, adventure, and service to others. Cheers to you, Billy Lee May – you will be missed but never forgotten!