Eric Mays was a well-known figure in Flint, Michigan politics. Born on September 16, 1958, he served on the Flint City Council from 2013 until his death on February 24, 2024. Many people search for information about Eric Mays’ net worth, his background, and his life story. This article will share the facts about who Eric Mays really was, separating truth from fiction.
The Truth About Eric Mays’ Net Worth
There is a lot of incorrect information online about Eric Mays’ financial status. Some websites claim he had a net worth of $100 million from investments and business ventures. This is simply not true.
The Facts About Eric Mays’ Finances:
Evidence strongly suggests that Mays lived on a modest income from his city council position and retirement benefits:
- In May 2017, Mays admitted to pawning his city-issued laptop for just $100.
- When questioned about this, he stated: “I don’t think it’s criminal, I think it just shows I’m poor.”
- Police records showed he had pawned the laptop nine times over two years.
| Claimed Net Worth | Likely Actual Net Worth |
| $100 million (false) | Modest income consistent with a city councilman and retired auto worker |
This incident tells us much more about his real financial situation than the unfounded claims of great wealth found on some websites.
Early Life and Education
Eric Bradford Mays grew up in Flint, Michigan in a middle-class family. He attended Flint Northern High School, graduating in 1976. After high school, he went to Michigan State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
His early career path was quite different from what some online sources claim. Rather than being a wealthy investor or hedge fund manager, Mays worked at General Motors, where he became active in the United Auto Workers union.
Key Facts About Eric Mays’ Early Years:
- Born: September 16, 1958, in Flint, Michigan
- Education: Graduated from Flint Northern High School (1976)
- College: Michigan State University
- Early Career: Auto worker at General Motors
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Career Path
The truth about Eric Mays’ career is that he was primarily an auto worker and local politician, not a wealthy businessman. Here’s what his real career looked like:
Working Life:
- Worked at General Motors for many years
- Held several positions in the United Auto Workers union
- Retired from GM before focusing fully on politics
Political Career:
In 1981, Mays began attending city council meetings as a representative for the NAACP. This early involvement in local politics showed his interest in community issues.
After three attempts, Mays finally won election to the Flint City Council in November 2013, representing the First Ward. He won by just eight votes against his opponent, Anita Brown.
During his time on the council, Mays became known for:
- Being one of the first elected officials to speak up about the Flint water crisis
- His outspoken style at council meetings
- Serving as Council President for a period
- Running for mayor of Flint (unsuccessfully) in 2015 and 2022
Personal Life
Information about Eric Mays’ personal life is limited, but we do know:
- He was 65 years old at the time of his death
- He had a son named Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays
- He died of natural causes at his home in Flint on February 24, 2024
Legal Issues and Controversies
Throughout his political career, Mays was involved in several legal issues:
Early Legal Troubles:
- In 1987, he was convicted of felony assault for brandishing a .357 magnum revolver at a man. He received one year of probation.
During His Time as Councilman:
- In 2013, shortly after being elected, he was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
- In July 2015, he was removed from a finance committee meeting and later charged with disorderly conduct.
- In 2017, he pleaded no contest to “willful neglect of duty” for repeatedly pawning his city-issued laptop.
- In 2022, he was found guilty of disorderly conduct after refusing to leave a council meeting.
- In 2023, he was suspended multiple times from council meetings for disruptive behavior.
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Legacy: The Flint Water Crisis Advocate
Despite his controversies, Mays left an important legacy as one of the first elected officials to recognize and speak up about the Flint water crisis. When residents began complaining about water quality after the city switched water sources in 2014, Mays was vocal in questioning officials and demanding answers.
While other officials claimed there were no problems with the water, Mays pushed for investigations. This advocacy for his community during a serious public health crisis remains an important part of his legacy.
After His Death
After Eric Mays died on February 24, 2024, the City of Flint lowered flags to half-mast in his honor. City officials and colleagues released statements praising his “bold and courageous service” to the community.
Congressman Dan Kildee, who was Mays’ classmate at Flint Northern High School, noted that “Councilman Mays loved serving Flint on the City Council, and his constituents continuously re-elected him because of his bold and unwavering voice.”
There was a legal dispute after his death regarding funeral arrangements between his son and other family members, which delayed his funeral.
Separating Fact from Fiction
It’s important to understand why there’s so much false information about Eric Mays online. Some websites publish incorrect information about public figures, including false claims about their wealth, education, or career achievements.
Common Myths About Eric Mays:
| Myth | Reality |
| $100 million net worth | Lived modestly on a councilman’s salary and retirement benefits |
| Successful hedge fund manager | Worked as an auto worker at General Motors |
| Wealthy entrepreneur and investor | Local politician who once pawned a laptop for $100 |
Why Eric Mays Matters
Despite not being a wealthy businessman, Eric Mays’ story is important because:
- He represented the voices of everyday people in Flint
- He spoke up early during the water crisis when others stayed silent
- His outspoken nature brought attention to issues affecting his community
- He showed that ordinary citizens can make a difference in local politics
Final Thoughts
Eric Mays was a complicated figure in Flint politics. He was controversial, outspoken, and sometimes disruptive. But he was also passionate about his community and willing to speak up when he saw problems.
His life story is not one of great wealth or business success as some websites claim. Instead, it’s the story of a local auto worker who became a vocal advocate for his community during one of its darkest periods – the Flint water crisis.
The real Eric Mays biography is about a flawed but dedicated public servant who spent his final years fighting for his constituents, not a millionaire investor. Understanding the truth about figures like Mays helps us better appreciate the real people who shape our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was Eric Mays really worth?
While some websites claim Eric Mays had a net worth of $100 million, evidence suggests he lived modestly on a city councilman’s salary and retirement benefits from General Motors.
What was Eric Mays famous for?
Eric Mays was known for being an outspoken Flint City Councilman, one of the first elected officials to call attention to the Flint water crisis, and for his controversial behavior at council meetings.
When did Eric Mays die?
Eric Mays died on February 24, 2024, at the age of 65.
Did Eric Mays have a family?
Yes, Eric Mays had a son named Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays. Limited information is available about other family members.
Was Eric Mays ever married?
Some sources claim he was married to someone named Megan Ritchie, but this information cannot be verified from reliable sources.
What was Eric Mays’ educational background?
Eric Mays graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.