Obituary of Palmer Mackall May

Palmer Mackall May, 74, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on October 10, 2021. Born August 8, 1947, in Charlotte, he was the son of the late Philip Bessom May, Sr and Ruth Waters Palmer May. He was predeceased by his parents and his nephew, Marc Palmer May. He attended Hargrove Military Academy and was a proud graduate of Myers Park High School. He received a B.A. degree from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Palmer starting working for Faul & Crymes Sporting Goods (which was one of the top line sporting goods stores in the SE) while in college. He worked in most all positions within the company and eventually rose to manage Faul & Crymes's biggest store. He was a restauranteur and was famous for the “Palmer burger.” He went on to own his own lawn and home improvement service, making the rounds to take care of gardens, lawns, and homes. Palmer was a sweet, humble, generous man, ever eager to offer a hand. He was an active member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir. Neighbors recall going to hear him sing the Messiah. Palmer had a big heart and was always looking for ways to serve others. He volunteered faithfully with Room in the Inn and Loaves & Fishes. During covid, he was concerned about people having enough food and went through the neighborhood gathering staples to give to the food pantry. A loving neighbor, he was always ready to help others. He brought light to people’s eyes in the neighborhood and in Myers Park as he took his 5-mile walk each morning, greeting people along the way. He walked every year in honor of his neighbor’s grandson, William, in the Mitochondrial Disease walk at Freedom Park. He loved Molly, his springer spaniel of many years. He loved hamburgers and raw oysters. He loved reading his Bible and daily prayers. He could be seen in his yard just about any day and any season, working on his flowers that he grew from the seeds he harvested the previous year. He loved music and he had a juke box filled with 50s and 60s music. As a teenager he would ride his bike to the WGIV radio station to hang out and talk to the disk jockeys -- Chattie Hattie, Rocking Ray and Genial Gene. Palmer is survived by his brother, Philip B. May Jr (Robin) of Louisville, KY; his niece and nephews: Hope Elizabeth May (Jeffrey Wigand, Philip B. May III( Allison), Frank Philip May, and many more loving family and friends. He will be laid to rest at St. James Episcopal Churchyard, Monkton, MD alongside his parents. Palmer May's service in set for Monday, October 25 at 6:00pm Holy Comforter Episcopal Church 2709 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209. Contributions in his memory can be made to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (2701 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209 or holycomfortercharlotte.org/funding-our-ministry/contribute/ Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.