Indianapolis Businessman William Mays Dies At 69

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Prominent Indianapolis businessman and black community leader William Mays has died at age 69.

The Indianapolis Recorder newspaper that Mays owned says he died Thursday.

Mays was an Evansville native who graduated from Indiana University. He established Mays Chemical Co. in Indianapolis in 1980 and also owned radio and television stations and commercial and residential properties.

He was the first black person to be board chairman of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard released the following statement:

Indy lost a titan of industry & philanthropy. Bill Mays was a great businessman, mentor & community leader. My prayers go to the Mays family

— Mayor Greg Ballard (@MayorBallard) December 5, 2014

Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Bell says Mays was an advocate for the African-American community who mentored numerous small businesses.

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 Wood, an educator.

In 2012, Mays recorded a StoryCorps interview with his granddaughter Ashley Scurlock. In this edited segement, he talks about how he met his wife, Rose. 

Funeral services haven't yet been announced.