Michael Anthony Adams

Bill Mays, known for his business savvy and prolific involvement in the Indianapolis community, died Thursday, according to officials at The Indianapolis Recorder.

Mays died on his 69th birthday.

As the former owner and publisher of The Recorder, Mays was also the owner and founder of Mays Chemical Co., with some saying he was "Indiana's most successful black businessman."

"This is just like a 'WOW' moment," said Lori Wright, managing partner at Wright Business Solutions Group and longtime friend of Mays.

Wright couldn't believe the news when she heard of Mays' passing.

"I think the community, particularity the community of small business owners, looked up to him," said Wright. "He gave back in so many ways."



Mays was born in Evansville in 1945. During his years living and working in Indianapolis, many in the community saw him as friend and mentor, like Tony Mason, president of the Indianapolis Urban League.

"He paved the way for a number of African-American businessmen and women," said Mason. "Mr. Mays was a great man. This is a loss for our community, our state."

In 1980, Mays established his chemical empire, which has since become one of the world's largest chemical distributors. According to a Black Enterprise magazine article published in 2011, the company ranks as the 22nd-largest black-owned industrial/service company in the nation.

Gov. Mike Pence joined the many people praising Mays' life.

"From the success of his business to his unending generosity and invaluable leadership mentoring future generations, Bill touched the lives of countless Hoosiers and his contributions to the life of our state will be remembered always," Pence said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family and friends during this difficult time."

"I learned of Bill Mays the legend," said Marshawn Wolley, a local Indianapolis community leader. "(He was) the guy that supported the community initiatives that needed the support, that was always there as a benevolent philanthropist."



In a release issued by The Recorder, Mays was cited as the first African-American chairman of the board for the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce as well as the first black chairman of the annual campaign for the United Way of Central Indiana.

On Thursday night, Mayor Greg Ballard Tweeted: "Indy lost a titan of industry & philanthropy. Bill Mays was a great businessman, mentor & community leader. My prayers go to the Mays family"

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bill Mays, who leaves an indelible legacy of entrepreneurship, community service and advocacy," Tanya Bell, president and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, said in a statement on Instagram. "Bill was an invaluable asset to Indiana Black Expo and the community of Indianapolis."



Mays is survived by his wife, Dr. Rose Mays, retired associate dean of community affairs at Indiana University's School of Nursing, daughters Kristin Mays-Corbitt, president of Mays Chemical, and Heather Mays Woods, an educator.

Call Star reporter Michael Anthony Adams at (317) 444-6123. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelAdams317.