We want to tell you about our friend Will.
Deputy William “Will” May began his career with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in 2014.
He started as a Communication Officer and was later sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff in 2019. Since that time, Will was promoted to Field Training Officer.
He was a beloved zone partner who was easily spotted by his bright orange sunglasses. He often worked overtime to help his fellow deputies on patrol, and even when he was in communications, he was reliable and always cutting up to keep folks smiling. He worked hard. He loved what he did. That was Will.
Deputy May leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to our community. His father, Bill May, served as Assistant Fire Chief with Walton County Fire Rescue before retiring. Will carried on that commitment to public service. Now, we will carry on that commitment for Will.
Will leaves behind a wife and four children. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, loving sisters, cousins who were more like brothers, aunts and uncles, and a large extended family.
But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of who Will was. What he accomplished and the relationships he built during his years of serving the community could never be able to be summarized in something as simple as a single piece of writing. After all, how do you ever really summarize a man’s legacy?
While we mourn, our community mourns with us. The ripple effect is so widely felt.
He has made us comfort each other a little softer, say “I love you” more often, and embrace each other a little longer.
Deep in our souls, we feel a void. One that we can only be filled with knowing Will died with honor, doing what he was meant to do. He’s inspired us to be “Strong Will-ed.” That, after all, was Will.
Where there’s a Will, there’s a way.
-Ms. Corey Dobridnia, WCSO Public Information Officer
