Eric Mays was an American entrepreneur and politician known for founding a successful hedge fund and serving as the First Ward councilman and council president of Flint. The net worth of Eric Mays is $100 million. Born on September 16, 1958, he initially worked in the automotive industry before transitioning into politics. Mays represented northwest Flint on the city council from November 2013 until his death in February 2024. His tenure was marked by controversy, including multiple suspensions from council meetings, contributing to his mixed legacy in public service. Mays also gained recognition on social media for his popular catchphrase, “Point of Order!”.
Table of Contents
- Early Life
- Net Worth
- Biography & Wikipedia
- Career
- Social Media
- Awards & Achievements
- Wife and Children
- Age
- Height
- Cause Of Death
- Final Words
Early Life
Eric Mays was born in Flint, Michigan, on September 16, 1958. Raised by parents who worked at General Motors, he experienced the city’s decline firsthand—facing poverty, violence, and racial discrimination. After graduating from Flint Northern High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and worked at General Motors. Despite a legal setback in 1987, Mays stayed involved in community issues and eventually won a seat on the Flint City Council in 2013, marking a significant step in his career in local politics.
Net Worth
Before he passed away on February 24, 2024, Eric Mays, a successful American trader and investor, had accumulated an estimated net worth of $100 million. He earned most of his income from public speaking engagements and his position as a municipal council member, which provided him with with an annual income of around $70,000 after taxes and deductions.
Biography & Wikipedia
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Eric Bradford Mays |
Date of Birth | September 16, 1958 |
Place of Birth | Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
Date of Death | February 24, 2024 (aged 65) |
Place of Death | Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
Age | 66 Years |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Nationality | American |
Education | Flint Northern High School; Michigan State University |
Profession | Politician, Auto Worker |
Occupation | Member of the Flint City Council from the 1st ward |
Term | November 2013 – February 24, 2024 |
Political Party | Democratic |
Preceded by | Claudia Croom |
Succeeded by | Leon El-Alamin |
Wife | Megan Ritchie |
Children | 3 |
Height | 6 Feet, 3 Inch |
Weight | 73 Kg |
Father | James Mays |
Mother | Dorothy Mays |
Known For | Controversial tenure on the Flint City Council, social media presence, activism during the Flint water crisis, and legal issues. |
Early Career | Graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976, bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, retired from General Motors, active in local unions under UAW. |
Legal Issues | Convicted of felony assault in 1987; arrested in 2013 for DUI and other charges; convicted of disorderly conduct in 2016; admitted to pawning a city-issued laptop in 2017; multiple arrests and suspensions related to disruptive behavior during city council meetings; 2022 arrest for refusing to leave a council meeting, guilty verdict in 2023. |
Mayoral Bid | Ran for mayor in 2015 but lost in the primaries. Attempted to run again in 2022 but lost to the incumbent Sheldon Neeley. |
Activism | Known for questioning the quality of Flint’s water during the Flint water crisis, significant figure among constituents. |
Death | Died of natural causes at his home in Flint on February 24, 2024. His death led to legal disputes regarding his estate and delayed funeral arrangements. |
Legacy | Remembered for bold and courageous service, beloved figure in the First Ward, lasting impact on Flint’s political landscape and community activism. |
Awards | Various local community service awards, recognition for activism during the Flint water crisis. |
Career
Eric Mays embarked on a career that spanned both politics and entrepreneurship. He gained recognition as a politician in Flint, Michigan, starting with his election to the Flint City Council in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Mays became known for his outspoken advocacy and controversial actions during council meetings, which often brought attention to local issues but also led to legal and disciplinary incidents.
In addition to his political career, Mays was an entrepreneur who founded a successful hedge fund in the United States. His business acumen and political ambitions intertwined, reflecting his diverse interests and contributions to both economic and civic spheres in Flint and beyond.
Social Media
As of the most recent updates, Eric Mays does not maintain any official social media accounts. For accurate and up-to-date information regarding his activities and statements, it is recommended to refer to news articles, official press releases, or the official social media accounts of the Flint City Council.
Awards & Achievements
Here is a table summarizing the key achievements and notable moments in Eric Mays’ career:
Achievement/Incident | Description | Source |
---|---|---|
Flint Water Crisis Advocacy | Vocal critic of the Flint water switch, questioning the quality and advocating for hearings. | Flint Beat, Wikipedia |
Elected to Flint City Council | First elected in 2013, served multiple terms, including a notable win in 2021. | Michigan Chronicle, Wikipedia |
Mayoral Run | Ran for mayor in 2015 but did not qualify due to insufficient valid signatures. | Wikipedia |
Controversies and Legal Issues | Arrested in 2015 for disorderly conduct, frequently involved in contentious council meetings. | Wikipedia, Flint Beat |
Passionate Public Service | Known for his dedication to Flint residents, often went viral for his spirited council meeting outbursts. | New York Amsterdam News, Michigan Chronicle |
Education and Early Career | Graduated from Flint Northern High School, attended Michigan State University, and worked with the UAW. | Flint Beat, Michigan Chronicle |
Community Impact and Legacy | Remembered for his bold voice and unwavering commitment to his constituents. | Flint Beat, New York Amsterdam News, Michigan Chronicle |
Wife and Children
Megan Ritchie is married to Eric Mays, a Flint city councilman known for his outspoken style. Megan is a businesswoman who manages an online store selling clothing, accessories, and home decor items.
In addition to her business pursuits, Megan plays a supportive role in Eric’s political career, where he frequently encounters criticism and challenges. Together, they have three children: Eric Jr., Maya, and Miles.
Age
Eric Mays is currently 66 years of age.
Height
Eric Mays is 6 feet 3 inches tall, which is approximately 1.91 meters.
Cause Of Death
Eric Mays, aged 66, passed away from natural causes at his home in Flint on February 24, 2024. He was praised for his dedicated service and popularity among constituents in Flint’s First Ward. His death led to a mourning period in the city, with flags lowered at half-mast. Mays, survived by his son, Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays, did not leave a will, sparking a legal dispute that delayed his funeral until March 11, when his body was transferred to Paradise Funeral Chapel in Saginaw, Michigan.
Final Words
Eric Mays, a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for the people of Flint, leaves behind a legacy marked by his fearless commitment to community and unwavering voice on the City Council. His bold approach to politics and steadfast advocacy during challenging times earned him both admiration and controversy. Beyond his political career, Eric Mays was a loving husband to Megan Ritchie and a devoted father to Eric Jr., Maya, and Miles.
His passing on February 24, 2024, leaves a profound void in Flint’s political landscape and among those who knew him. Eric Mays will be remembered for his courage, his determination to fight for justice, and his enduring impact on the city he cherished.