George Alonzo May

George Alonzo May, age 101, of Jacksonville, passed away on Sunday June 21, 2020. George resided at River Garden Hebrew Home. He was born May 18, 1919 in Macon, Georgia, one of six children born to George A. May, Sr. and Eda Marston May. George had a unique military career serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force. He initially served aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Presidential yacht, the USS Potomac. At the outbreak of World War II, he was Crew Chief of a B-24 Liberator Bomber.

After acceptance to Officer Training School, he became a company commander in the 101st and 82nd Army Airborne divisions, serving in active combat in Europe. He was eyewitness to the Holocaust in the Nazi concentration camp of Dachau. He marched in the World War II Victory Parade in New York City in January 1946. In 1947, George joined the Air Force, serving in the United States, Germany and England. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in June of 1965 and began a second career at Martin Marietta Corporation until his final retirement in 1982.

The confessed highlight of his life was his marriage to his beloved wife, Wilmuth Cecelia Hall in May of 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robbins, Georgia. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Pat Wallace of Jacksonville, Kathy and Gordon Meggison of Jacksonville, Jan McCormick of Largo, Drs. Steve and Marian May of Signal Mountain, TN, Tha and Khom Yim of Chattanooga, TN; he is survived by his brother, Dr. John A. May of Miami. Mr. May is also survived by his beloved 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and multiple generations of nieces and nephews.

George’s life was a reflection of the Christian virtues of faithfulness, encouragement and service. At his direction, and in accordance with his beliefs, Military “Reveille” in lieu of “Taps” will be played at his internment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Rather than flowers, the family requests donations in memory of George A. May to River Garden Hebrew Home, 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32258. Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, (904)737-7171 is proudly serving the family. Please visit hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com to leave condolences for the family.