- May 20 Syd Howe, Canadian Hockey HOF left wing (Stanley Cup 1936, 37, 43 Detroit Red Wings), dies from throat cancer at 64
- May 26 Edgar Moon, Australian tennis player (Australian C'ships 1930), dies at 71
- May 30 Max Carey, American Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder (World Series 1925; 10 × NL stolen base leader; Pittsburgh Pirates, Brooklyn Robins) and manager (Brooklyn Dodgers), dies at 86
- May 30 Vic Ghezzi, American golfer (PGA C'ship 1941), dies of cancer at 65
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions