- May 2 Norm Van Brocklin, American Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback (NFL MVP 1960; First-team All-Pro 1960; 9 × Pro Bowl; LA Rams, Philadelphia Eagles) and coach (Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons), dies from a heart attack at 57
- May 5 Olin Dutra, American golfer (PGA C'ship 1932, US Open 1934), dies at 82
- May 20 Clair Bee, American College Basketball and Basketball Hall of Fame coach (Long Island University undefeated 1936, 39; National Invitation Tournament 1939, 41), dies at 87
- May 25 Black Jack Stewart, Canadian NHL hockey player (b. 1917)
Jack Dempsey (1895-1983)
May 31 American boxer (world heavyweight champion 1919-26), dies of heart failure at 86
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions