Draft:Wilbur May
Wilbur May | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 28, 1898 |
| Died | January 20, 1982 (aged 83) |
| Occupations | United States Air Force reconnaissance pilot, cattleman |
| Children | Dixie May (adopted) |
| Father | David May |
Wilbur May (born December 28, 1898) was an American reconnaissance pilot and cattleman. He was born to David May, founder of The May Department Stores Company. He moved to the United Kingdom in 1914 to fight in World War I, ultimately becoming an ambulance driver. He was an avid fisher and hunter, and reportedly "felt constrained" by "routine work". He died on January 20, 1982.
Early life
[edit]Wilbur D. May was born on December 28, 1898[1] in Denver, Colorado. He was son of David May, founder of The May Department Stores Company. He was the only one among his siblings who did not work in the family business in his teenage years. In 1914 at 16 years old, May emigrated to the United Kingdom and attempted to serve in World War I.[2]
Career
[edit]Military service
[edit]May was denied military service due to his nationality and age, but served as an ambulance driver for the United Kingdom in World War I's initial years. Upon the United States' entry into the conflict, he joined the expeditionary forces and eventually ranked as a major.[2]
May served in World War II, initially wanting to become a combat pilot for the United States Air Force. He failed the sight test, but was eventually hired as a reconnaissance pilot. He continued serving as a reconnaissance pilot in Alaska after the war, reaching a major rank in the Air Force, as well. May was injured and grounded after a crash; he was sent off on an honorable discharge.[2][3]
Business career
[edit]David May purchased Hamburger's Department Store in Los Angeles in 1923. Wilbur May's older brother, Tom, was appointed as operator and Wilbur was vice president and Tom's assistant. He reportedly "felt constrained by such apparently routine work". May convinced his father to allow him to take charge of Bernheimer–Leader Store in Baltimore, Maryland.[2]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Nevada Nuggets: Wilbur D. May". www.rgj.com. Reno Gazette-Journal. December 28, 2013. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "About Wilbur May". www.washoecounty.gov. Washoe County, Nevada. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
- ↑ Bacon, Mark (March 14, 2010). "Big game at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno". www.sfgate.com. SFGate. Retrieved September 28, 2026.