"Indianapolis has lost a titan of industry and philanthropy": Businessman Bill Mays died on 69th birthday; hailed in hometown as generous civic leader.

"Indianapolis businessman William 'Bill' Mays was remembered Friday as a philanthropist, visionary, community servant and champion of minorities who loved his family and a good laugh. Mays died Thursday on his 69th birthday. Often referred to as 'Indiana's most successful black businessman,' Mays was the owner and founder of Mays Chemical Co. He also was the former owner and publisher of The Recorder, a weekly newspaper serving Indianapolis' black community." -- Tim Evans, the Indianapolis Star