Billy Mays, renowned for his dynamic infomercial pitches for products such as OxiClean, was not only a prominent figure in advertising but also a devoted father to two children, Billy Mays III and Elizabeth Mays. Tragically, he passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50 in June 2009, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be remembered and cherished by his family.
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Born in August 1986, Billy Mays III was the first child of Billy and his first wife, Dolores “Dee Dee” Mays. He was primarily raised in Pittsburgh but often spent summers with his father in Florida. As his father’s career gained momentum, especially in the realm of direct sales and infomercials, Billy III found himself navigating the complexities of having a famous parent. Reflecting on his school days, he recounted how classmates would make connections between him and his father, jokingly downplaying the recognition to maintain his own sense of normalcy.
Billy III’s relationship with his father deepened during his adult years when he moved to Florida to pursue a degree at Full Sail University. Following his graduation, he lived with Mays for approximately three years, marking the last, productive years of the pitchman’s life. This time together allowed them both to grow closer and better understand one another, something they had missed during Billy III’s childhood.
In the midst of pursuing his own career, Billy III became a production assistant for his father’s infomercial shoots. In a light-hearted manner, he described his entry into the business as being a “nepo baby” in the infomercial world. In fact, he played a significant role in a reality show that featured his father working prior to his untimely death. These experiences not only fostered a collaborative bond between father and son but also allowed Billy III invaluable insights into the creative process behind their industry.
After Mays passed away, Billy III shifted his focus towards music, a passion he had nurtured since high school. Encouraged by both his parents, he began playing the guitar, which his father had gifted him. Billy III now actively pursues a musical career while also spearheading a charitable initiative called Billy Mays Here!, which aims to celebrate and honour his father’s life and legacy.
Alongside his professional endeavours, Billy III is happily married to Katie Hawkins-Gaar, and together they are parents to a daughter. Despite the sorrow that comes with his child not having the chance to know her grandfather, Billy III takes solace in the stories he can share about Mays, ensuring that the essence of her grandfather lives on through their family narrative.
In contrast, Elizabeth Mays, Mays’s daughter with his second wife, Deborah, remains a private individual. Born in 2006, Elizabeth was just three years old when her father died. As her older brother reflects on their father’s nurturing spirit and the joy he brought to parenting during those years, it is clear that the Mays family continues to feel the impact of Billy’s absence.
Billy III has often expressed pride in his father’s legacy, noting how Mays was perceived as an ordinary man turned extraordinary through hard work and dedication. He recalls how his father was loved by the public, stemming from a relatable background that resonated with many. This connection not only highlighted Billy Mays’s character but also serves as a reminder of the personal touch he brought to his work.
As we remember Billy Mays, it becomes evident that his influence extends beyond the products he sold; it carries on through the lives of his children. Both Billy Mays III and Elizabeth carry their father’s spirit in different ways, ensuring that his legacy does not solely reside in past infomercials but is woven into the fabric of their everyday lives.