The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper gathered reaction from state and city leaders about their relationship with William “Bill” Mays.
Bro. Clyde Bailey, Most Worshipful Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Indiana: “The City of Indianapolis has lost one of the pillars of our community. The Prince Hall Masonic Family has lost one of our pillars; being Brother William Mays. We the officers and members of the Indiana Prince Hall Masonic Family would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends during this time of great loss. Brother Bill Mays received his degree in masonry in January of 2009 becoming a member of Fidelity Lodge #55 and a 32nd Degree Mason of Constantine Consistory #25. Brother Mays made many philanthropic contributions to the Prince Hall Masonic Family. Although Brother Mays had an extremely active schedule, he was still able to provide numerous resources and support to enhance the organization. He was instrumental in the support of several Masonic programs, most notably our yearly Scholarship Luncheon which recognizes and awards deserving students within the jurisdiction of Indiana and our Central District Recognition Banquet. Brother Mays strategically used his resources through the Indianapolis Recorder to help promote our image and initiatives. It was an honor and pleasure for Brother Mays to be a member of our organization. Gone but not forgotten, Brother Mays will forever remain in our memory.”
Chancellor Charles Bantz, IUPUI: “Bill was a tremendously successful and passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist who made an indelible impact on his family, his work, his friendships, and his community. IUPUI students were the direct beneficiaries of his and Rose’s generosity, and the campus and Indiana University are deeply saddened by his loss. Sandra and I will miss him dearly.”
U.S. Rep. Andre’ Carson, Indiana’s 7th Congressional District: “As a businessman, philanthropist, and activist, Bill Mays helped improve the lives of countless Hoosiers throughout his life. I pray that God gives peace and comfort to his wife, Rose, his daughters Kristin and Heather, and to the countless others for whom Bill is “family.”
Carl Chapman, Vectren chairman, president and CEO: “Bill’s leadership as a member of our board clearly helped shape Vectren’s strategic direction and ultimate success. We very much value the many years of dedicated service, mentoring and wise counsel he provided to us. On behalf of our entire company and the Vectren Board of Directors, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Bill’s family on his passing. He was a good friend and will be missed.”
Mitch Daniels, former Indiana governor, president of Purdue University: “Just as he gave so many African-Americans their first good job or their chance to start a company of their own, Bill Mays gave a no-name, first-time political candidate a ton of good advice and support, and I will never forget it. The morning after our successful election, I asked a handful of the people whose judgment I valued and trusted most to assemble and begin planning for a new administration and a new era of good government for our state. Bill, of course, was one of the people at that small table. Indianapolis would not be the city it is without him, and those of us who looked to him for guidance will not be able to replace him.”
Michael Huber, president and CEO, Indy Chamber: “As an influential leader in our business community, Bill Mays’ dedication to this community will be felt for years to come. The Indy Chamber is forever grateful for his leadership during his time as our Board chairman and beyond and we will work to continue his passion for providing opportunity for all Indianapolis businesses.”
Pastor Jeffrey Johnson Sr., senior pastor, Eastern Star Church: “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends, community and Mays Chemical family in the passing of our beloved brother Bill Mays. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him, and benefitted from his generous contributions. Bill demonstrated in a very practical way what it meant to be a Christian. Thank you Bill for modeling locally, nationally and globally the importance of family, community and philanthropy. His legacy and generosity will never be forgotten in Indiana. Our community is all the better because of his unique personality. May God continually bless his family mightily.”
Carolene Mays-Medley, commissioner/vice-chairman, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: “Thank you so much to the community, for the outpouring of support and expressed kindness in the loss of Bill. Your prayers and love are amazing. God has used you to help fill the void in our hearts. My uncle was a unique soul with a generous spirit, who understood God’s will for us to love and “do unto others.” He was a true giant amongst us who was always willing to lend a helping hand or create opportunities for others. He was incredibly passionate about the community, entrepreneurship and of course family. As he passed through this earth, the impact he made in your lives and ours is wonderful. Our time with him will forever be cherished. It was a blessing for us to be there with him as the angels took him home. Bill will be deeply missed for so many reasons, but for us, we miss him because of his love, compassion, and many simple things like his smile, his warm heart, and commitment to our family. Uncle Billy was like a second father to me and I love him just because…I love him.”
Jim Morris, special advisor to the chief executive officer and president, Pacers Sports and Entertainment: “Bill Mays was my good friend and one of the finest gentlemen I ever have known. He was an incredible civic leader and a brilliant businessman. He helped to make Indianapolis the great city it is. He was called upon to do so much and he never, ever let anyone down. He cared deeply for his family, his friends, his community and his university. He was a special man.”
Ann Murtlow, president and CEO, United Way of Central Indiana: “I had the great pleasure of meeting Bill shortly after arriving in Indianapolis in 2002. He was deeply engaged in all issues facing our community and gave generously of his time, talent, and treasure to the many corporate, philanthropic, and civic groups he served including United Way. Bill will be fondly remembered for his profound impact on our community.”
Samuel Odle, former United Way campaign and board chair: “Bill led by example… Bill constantly advocated for minority professionals to take an active role in philanthropic and social justice issues of the day. He was a model of professionalism. He believed in the United Way model of helping to lift others up.”
L. Bryant Parker, senior pastor, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church: “Mr. William (Bill) Mays was indeed a spiritual man who exercised leadership in both the community and his church, earning respect within both the political and ecclesiastical spectrums. A humble man, he easily introduced himself and moved among the powerful as well as everyday people. He was a soft-spoken beneficent man who sincerely cared about people and quietly assisted the downtrodden. His love of humankind was reflected in his living. Bill Mays faithfully and regularly attended Sunday worship services. He served Witherspoon Presbytery as an elder in Christ’s church. He also served in the Stewardship Ministry. He was attracted to praise and worship, oftentimes investing in Witherspoon’s musical programs. Speaking from personal experience, he was always available when I requested an audience with him despite the demands on his time. William Mays’ presence will be missed acutely in the church and community. As a member of the Witherspoon Church family, he kept his eyes on heaven and was ever focused on serving God’s church. In this way, Bill Mays embraced his opportunity to honor his Creator through earthly service to the Presbyterian Church (USA). I thank God for the life of Mr. William Mays. He touched multitudes positively and personally through his spiritual commitment.”
