Salaam Farakahn (William May)

William May was born March 23, 1956 in South Haven, MI to the late William and Julia May. He had 3 siblings: Larry May, Demitrus Ewing, and Lureatha May. On March 14, 2020, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, William made his heavenly transition.

In 1974, William graduated from L.C. Mohr High School in South Haven, MI. While in high school, he was known as “Earl the Pearl” because of his style and grace on the basketball court. Two of William’s favorite moves in basketball were “going-to-the-hole” and his long-range shot. Possibly, William’s long-range shot was comparable to what we now know as the 3-pointer. In consideration of his outstanding basketball skills, William received All-Conference and All-State honors. Although he really enjoyed basketball, his greatest love was his 3 children: Quan Williams, Qualette Hicks, and William May, III.

William was very athletic. Some of the routine activities he enjoyed were: running, lifting weights, dancing, playing basketball, and drinking coffee. He was known for his beautiful smile, fashionable clothes, as well as getting his hair fried, dyed and laid to the side.

William is preceded in death by his parents: William and Julia May; brother, Larry May and sister, Lureatha May. He leaves to cherish his memories: sons, Quan Williams of Charlotte, NC and William May, III of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Qualette (LaRue) Hicks of Grand Rapids, MI; brother, Demitrus Ewing of Portland, OR; aunt, Linda Lockett of Holland, MI; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His special friend was Patricia Ann Williams.  William will be truly missed.

 Wake will take place Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Solomon's Temple Ministries in South Haven. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the church with Elder Ahmmad Goodwin officiating.