William D. "Billy" Mays Jr.

Born July 20^th 1958 died June 28^th 2009

Hello and may God's peace be with you.

To those of you who don't know me, my name is Dean Panizzi. My better half and wife is Sousan. We have two beautiful children: Natalia and Josiah.

I am a life long friend and cousin of Billy's. Billy was more than a friend. He was a brother. What makes our relationship more intimate is Joyce. She was and is my second mom. We were born in the same apartment building. We played in the same sand box. We lay quietly at night--many a Christmas eve at his Nuna's house. Our parents rang sleigh bells to stir our hearts as we wait for Santa's Sleigh to arrive and deliver our presents. We rode bikes, took walks, ran together, had great talks and told each other our greatest secrets. We were best men in each others weddings. We grew up together in a little town called Mckees Rocks.

I am blessed and honored to have shared a lifetime with Billy and these words with you on behalf of: William D. "Billy" Mays Jr.

I would like to acknowledge: (the world)
The world of people mourning this day--a world of people that knew and loved Billy Mays and that Billy loved in return.
All of you who where privileged to work along side Billy-- who have been a part of his life and success.
From his days in Mckees Rocks- to Atlantic City- to Tampa, to his TV and Discovery Channel Pitchman show and Global success.
Many became friends and many are here today. Some came from out of state and from other countries.

I would like to acknowledge: (friends)
His intimate and life time friends:
Kevin Farley, Dave Presutti, Richie Castlevetter, Anthony "Sully" Sullivan and I included.

I would like to Acknowledge: (Debra's family)
Bill Woolly and family

I would like to Acknowledge: (Billy's Fathers side family)
Heroic father -- Bill Mays, Sr. and wife Kathy Mays
Aunt Ruth McCafferty/family
Aunt Faye Lash /Family
Uncle Lou Mays/family
Uncle Bob Mays/family
The late Uncle Ted Mays/family

I would like to Acknowledge: (Billy's mother side family)
Grandfather -- Ron Schofield
Loving Mother Joyce Mays Palm and husband Donald E. Palm Jr. and family
Admired Uncles: Bill (SI) Hoffman/family Bob Hoffman/family Ron Schofield/family
Brothers Gary Mays/family Randy Mays/family
Little Billy's mom, DeDe Mays
Loved Son, Billy Darrel Mays III
Beloved wife, Debra Mays
His most precious daughter, Elizabeth Victoria Mays

We are all here in honor of William D. "Billy" Mays Jr.
Debra: thank you for being so gracious and generous. Thank you for sharing Billy all these years. During your marriage and now giving his family the blessing of bringing Billy home and allowing his resting place to be here in his home town, McKees Rocks. You truly have been a great wife to Billy and a great friend to me.
*Thank you Debra for bringing Billy home*

William D. "Billy" Mays Jr.
Born July 20 1958 was wonderfully made and born with a mission in mind.
The Press asked me who Billy Mays is. I responded instinctfuly.
Billy Mays was man who loved the Lord Jesus Christ and believed in him as his personal Lord and Savior.
He was a man who loved his family more than life itself.
He was a man who loved people and gave a piece of himself to everyone he met.
I would love to tell you stories about Billy Mays. They would not be boring. I promise! But truly Billy Mays was the story!
Words can not describe my friend. Only Character and Attributes can describe Billy's life.

Billy brought joy to so many people.
His down to earth approach and street smart pitch were the foundation of his success.
He would mesmerize the crowds as he spoke.
He made you feel special in a multitude of ways.

Billy is a Pop Culture Icon. He sold more Oxy Clean than Andy Warhol sold Campbell's soup.
Billy is the Terry Bradshaw and Jerome Bettis of Football.
Billy is the Roberto Clemente and Babe Ruth of Baseball.
Billy is the Mario Lemieux of Hockey.
Billy is the Pavarotti of opera.
He is the Billy Mays of the Pitchman
But remember this: Billy redefined and raised the bar for the entire pitch industry. He is amazing! He's unbelievable! He's accomplished.
Billy redefined fame. Billy he didn't go up to fame, but fame came down to earth to Billy.
Billy never changed into fame, fame changed into Billy.

I asked myself: why do so many feel a part of his success?
His Grandfather said it best when the press asked him if he thought Billy was famous. He told them: "Billy, famous? I feel I'm famous because of Billy!"
I think that's how we all feel.
That's what Billy was able to do. He made each of us a part of his success and fame.
Billy was on top of the mountain with an incredible view and each of us was standing right there with him looking at the same view. He unselfishly included us every step of the way. He was proud of us! Unbelievable!

Billy's son will follow in his footsteps. Billy, you have what it takes. Your dad believed in you.
Billy Mays III, you inspired me two days ago. When I saw you, I embraced you. I asked you how you were holding up. You smiled at me with that 'Little Billy smile' and looked me right in the eyes and said "I had 22 great years with my dad". Wow! Billy you gave me strength and hope with your words. You're my new hero!

I believe that if Billy could speak to us from Heaven he might quote Matthew 6:19-21
'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy
And where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
Where moth and rust do not destroy,
And where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
But seek 1^st the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.'

Billy is in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He knows this is true.
My prayer for all of you and I believe it would be Billy's prayer as well. Love the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in him as your personal Lord and Savior.

I would like to close with Billy's four most famous pitches:

1. Long live your laundry!
2. Powered by the air we breathe!
3. Life's a pitch and then you buy!

"I am blessed and honored to have shared a lifetime with Billy and these words with you on behalf of William D. "Billy" Mays Jr." Dean Panizzi