Wiley Tripp May

Wiley Tripp May passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he had made his home since 1966. He was 89 years old.

Born on October 17, 1936, in Red Oak, North Carolina, Wiley was the beloved son of the late Dock Tripp May and Virgia West May. He grew up in Red Oak, attending Red Oak High School, and went on to pursue higher education at East Carolina University. Wiley dedicated 36 years of his life to a successful career with Sears Roebuck and Co., ultimately retiring as a Regional Display Manager. His sharp eye for design, creativity, and dedicated leadership left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the company.

Outside of his career, Wiley was a true people-person who never met a stranger. He possessed a warmth that drew others to him, but his greatest joy was found at home. He took immense pride in his gardening, transforming his yard into a beautiful sanctuary filled with vibrant azaleas, dogwoods, and intricate brick walkways that he lovingly laid by hand over the years. Wiley was also an avid lover of history, spending hours collecting old books and building a cherished collection of vinyl LPs. He absolutely loved exploring flea markets and yard sales, making it a point to hunt for treasures no matter where his travels took him.

Above all else, family and connection were the most important things to Wiley. His daughters and his grandchildren were truly the apple of his eye, and he was deeply grateful for the love and companionship that enriched his later years.

Wiley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Reardon May, and a grandson, Tripp McKinley Miller.

He is survived by his long-time companion, Mary Adams, who was a constant source of love and support to him over the years. He is also survived by his brother, Michael May; his three loving daughters, Sheri Bergen (Preston), Cathy Miller, and Lori McDonough (Darren); his grandchildren, William Bergen, Hannah Coombs, Katelyn Miller, Garrett McDonough, Lillie Claire Bergen, and Jonathan McDonough; as well as a host of extended family and dear friends.

A private cryptside service to honor and celebrate Wiley's life will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Westminster Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, in Greensboro. For those who do not wish to send flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Authoracare Hospice, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405, https://www.authoracare.org/give, who so lovingly cared for him in his final days.