So, where exactly *IS* Billy Mays?
Saturday, September 12, 2009 Well, there are a few ways to answer that question.
Firstly, I'm right here.
Sorry. Technically, I'm Billy Mays III.
You'd probably say - "I mean the guy with the beard who yells at me to buy stuff on T.V."
Well, that guy is my dad.
He passed away in his sleep on June 28th, 2009.
Technically, he was Billy Mays Jr. So there.
Almost immediately after my dad's passing, (I won't use the word 'death' because of its sorrowful connotation in society) the team at Sullivan Productions got these stickers printed of his face. The image was drawn by Jess Saxon, husband of Arwen Saxon. (Producer/Director at SulProd)
The stickers were originally handed out at a small gathering at Sully's house for production-crew-friends of my dad.
Later that week at the funeral, the Sullivan Crew brought a huge box full of the stickers and handed them out to EVERYONE.
Shortly after, my followers on Twitter began asking about how to get one.
So, we ordered about 2,000 more and tweeted an address to send a SASE to get them.
Before long, people began taking pictures of all the different (sometimes funny) places they were putting their stickers.
Then, TMZ ran a story about "The sticker craze that's sweeping the nation." It was then that I knew I had to take this opportunity to keep my dad's essence alive.
For those of you didn't know him personally, I can tell you right now that you would've loved him. There weren't many people, upon meeting him, who didn't enjoy his company.
My dad was the type of person who would actually listen to your story, whether he was talking to a fan at a crowded airport or a longtime business partner.
His story isn't too boring in itself:
In short, he came from humble beginnings (like most) and ended up becoming a memorable figure in popular culture.
I hope that when you're placing your sticker, you get a positive feeling knowing that you're continuing the legacy of a good man.
My dad had the kind of sense of humor where he was in on the joke. He knew that his image was funny and he didn't mind poking fun at himself.
So, as you participate in this little tribute, do it with a light heart.
As for me, I'm beyond proud of my dad's ENTIRE LIFE. He lived his life with blistering passion and a rare generosity. I had 22 amazing years with him and he taught me a lifetime's worth of lessons in a quarter of the time.
To you, the reader, thanks for helping me honor my a-Mays-ing father.
~ B3 (September, 2009)


Reader Comments (21)
Peace,
Krystyn
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http://www.squaregirl.com
http://www.HOPErevo.com
Brent Weidman.
As I was surfing around one day I saw the Billy Mays caps lock key and thought that was the funniest damn thing!
Now I found your site and think it's great, your Dad would be very proud.
I never heard of the PitchMen show before, so now I'm definately going to look it up.
Take Care!
Glad I found out about you and this site.
Thank you.
so great to meet you in Chicago. You are adorable....but you already know that.
I'm following you on Twitter - maybe follow me: heysendaball
remember, you can send free SENDaBALLs anytime - just email me.
michele@sendaball.com
Michele
1) what happened to Pitchmen? (Discovery listed season 3 a while ago)
2) What is your opinion on the YouTube Poops about your father?
A True Fan,
Robert S.