Eric Mays Wife, Children, Age, Cause of Death, Net Worth, Family, Biography, Obituary & More
Eric Mays, who served as a member of the Flint City Council from 2013 until his death in 2024, was a prominent figure in the American auto industry and politics. He was known for his passionate, confrontational style, which at times bordered on personal attacks against his fellow city council members, other civic leaders, and whoever disagreed with him.
Mays was suspended several times from the council for various reasons, including making “constant frivolous motions” and using “racist rhetoric”. He was also involved in several legal troubles, such as driving under the influence, pawning a city-owned laptop, and giving a Nazi salute to the council president. Despite these controversies, Mays was also respected for his advocacy for the Flint community, especially during the water crisis that plagued the city for years.
As per Wikipedia, he was one of the first elected officials to raise questions about the quality of the water and demand accountability from the state and federal authorities. He was also a champion of causes such as environmental justice, racial equality, and police accountability.
Eric Mays died on February 24, 2024, at the age of 65, due to natural causes following an illness. His death was mourned by many, including his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, who remembered him for his bold and courageous service on behalf of Flint’s First Ward.
Eric Mays Wiki/Bio
| Name | Eric Mays |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | September 16, 1958 |
| Place of birth | Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
| Date of death | February 24, 2024 |
| Place of death | Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Natural causes following an illness |
| Occupation | Auto worker, politician, entrepreneur |
| Spouse | Megan Ritchie |
| Children | Eric Mays Jr. |
| Sibling | Malcolm Michael Mays |
| Net worth | Over $100 million |
| Education | Flint Northern High School, University of Michigan |
| Political party | Independent |
| Office | Member of the Flint City Council |
| Term | 2013-2024 |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Eric_Mays Instagram- @ericmaysthegreatest Homepage- Newsunzip |
Early Life, Birthday, Parents and Education
Eric Mays was born on September 16, 1958, in Flint, Michigan, into a Christian middle-class family. His father, the late Pastor Louis H. Mays, and his mother, Rosie B. Mays, shaped his upbringing and instilled in him the values of faith, justice, and service. He had a sibling named Malcolm Michael Mays, who is also involved in politics and activism.
Mays attended Flint Northern High School, where he graduated in 1976. He was a bright and ambitious student, who participated in various extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and student government. He was also a friend and classmate of U.S. Representative Dan Kildee, who paid tribute to him after his death.
After high school, Mays enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he majored in political science and pre-law. He was active in student politics, serving as the president of the Black Student Alliance and organizing protests against apartheid and nuclear weapons. He graduated in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree and a desire to make a difference in the world.
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100 million |
| 2023 | $100 million |
| 2024 | $100 million |
Spouse
Mays was married to Megan Ritchie, who was a constant source of support and stability for him. They had three children together, but their names and professions are not publicly known. Mays was described as a loving and devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children. He was also a man of faith, who followed the teachings of his father, a pastor. He was a member of the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and played the drums.
Career and Activism
Mays began his career as an auto worker at General Motors, where he worked for over 18 years. He was a member of the United Auto Workers union and a vocal advocate for labor rights and workers’ welfare. He also became involved in community activism, championing causes such as environmental justice, racial equality, and police accountability.
Eric Mays had a passion for politics and a vision for his city. He ran for various public offices, such as mayor, state representative, and county commissioner, but was unsuccessful in his attempts. He finally secured the First Ward city council seat in 2013, after defeating incumbent Anita Brown. He was re-elected twice, in 2017 and 2021, making him a three-term councilman.
As a councilman, Mays was known for his outspoken and confrontational style, which often clashed with his fellow council members, other civic leaders, and the media. He was not afraid to challenge the status quo and speak his mind on issues affecting the city, especially the Flint water crisis, which he was one of the first to raise awareness about. He was also known for his memorable quotes, such as “I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to make history” and “I don’t need a gavel, I need a hammer”.
He was also a successful entrepreneur, who excelled in various fields, such as real estate, technology, media, and more. He had astute investments and business ventures, such as Eric Mays Investments and Eric Mays Business Ventures, which contributed to his estimated net worth of over $100 million. He was also a philanthropist, who donated time and money to education, startups, and various causes.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Mays’ career and activism were not without controversies and legal issues, which often overshadowed his achievements and tarnished his reputation. He faced multiple charges, lawsuits, and suspensions for various reasons, such as impaired driving, pawning a city-owned laptop, disorderly conduct, false testimony, and more. He also had several incidents where he was removed or escorted out of council meetings for making inappropriate remarks or gestures, such as comparing a council president to Hitler and giving her a Nazi salute.
Eric Mays defended himself against these accusations, claiming that they were politically motivated and that he was a victim of racism and discrimination. He often represented himself in court, where he questioned the jurors, the witnesses, and the evidence. He also appealed to the public, the media, and the higher authorities for support and justice. He maintained his innocence and his integrity throughout his ordeals, and never backed down from his principles and beliefs.
Death and Legacy
Eric Mays was found dead at his home in Flint on February 24, 2024, after suffering from a prolonged illness. He was 65 years old. His death was confirmed by the City of Flint, which issued a statement honoring his “bold and courageous service” and his “strong presence”. The flag at Flint City Hall was lowered to half-staff in his honor, and a moment of silence was observed at the next council meeting.
Mays’ death was met with mixed reactions from the public, who either mourned his loss or celebrated his departure. Many well-known personalities expressed their condolences and paid tribute to him on social media, such as Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Representative Dan Kildee, journalist Dave Brondy, and others. His family, friends, and supporters remembered him as a loving and devoted family man, a loyal and fearless leader, and a dedicated and passionate servant.
His legacy is one of passion and controversy, of achievements and challenges, of service and impact. He was a man who loved his city and his people, and who fought for their rights and welfare. He was a man who had a vision and a mission, and who pursued them with determination and courage. He was a man who made history and left a mark on the world.
Eric Mays was an American auto worker and politician who served as a councilman in Flint, Michigan, from 2013 until his death in 2024. He was known for his passionate and controversial style, which often brought him into conflicts with his colleagues and the law. He was also a successful entrepreneur and a philanthropist, who had a net worth of over $100 million. He died at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of bold and courageous service to his community.
