William "Billy" Alan Mays AKA "Buckskin"

William "Billy" Alan Mays of Harvey, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at the age of 66. He was surrounded by loved ones, passing peacefully with his wife and daughter at his side. Billy was born in Knoxville, Tennessee to Bobby Ray Mays, Sr. and the late Myrtis Fortner Mays. Billy was married to the love of his life, Debbie Lauland Mays for 47 years. Devoted father of his only child Melissa Maria Hudson (Gabe). PawPaw of his two grandsons, Parker Ian Hudson and Cole Alexander Hudson. Billy is the brother of Jack Mays (Wendy), Johnny "Sam" Mays, Keith Smith, Carolyn Ingram, and the late Bobby R. Mays, Jr.

David Scalf and John Roberts have been two of Billy's dear friends and colleagues for many years, who will miss him dearly. Billy is preceded in death by his hunting and singing buddy, Dale Deemer (Marlon). Billy and Dale enjoyed daily phone conversations, many nights looking for deer that Billy missed (lol), and lots of dinners and evenings around the fire pit. Billy was also loved by his former assistant/secretary Mrs. Toni (Antoinette Markey). He had fond memories of her, often referring to her as his “do it all” person. She would even wrap his Christmas gifts! He really loved and appreciated Mrs. Toni more than she could ever know. Billy is also survived by many other wonderful colleagues, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who are left to cherish his memory.

Billy was a beautiful man, a kind soul, who was well known in the oil industry. He was described by many as the best “boss”, “manager”, “mentor” that they ever had. He was always gentle, yet firm enough to let you know that he meant business. Those that knew him well knew that in his earlier years, he was often referred to as “Wild Bill”. He loved Karaoke, and would steal the mike from anyone that he thought he could outsing; Elvis Presley of course! In his later years, he inherited the nickname “Buckskin”. He loved to hunt, spend time with his two “boys”, his grandsons, who he cherished more than life itself. He loved his only daughter Melissa with his entire being, and wanted nothing more than to see her shoot that big buck! Unfortunately, it never happened- Yet!

His dream was to always have his own hunting property, which finally came to fruition eight years ago. For the last seven years, the family has created many wonderful memories there, with the ongoing joke that son-in-law Gabe Hudson aka “the great white hunter” is cut off!

Billy loved to joke around, especially with his 93-year-old mother-in-law, Marie Harvey. He loved her dearly, often referring to her as “Driving Ms. Daisy”. They had a beautiful relationship that will be greatly missed by her.

Billy had such a beautiful demeanor. He never held grudges, forgave easily, and truly never sweated the small stuff. You could call Billy at any given moment and he would drop whatever he was doing to help those that he cared about and loved. He was very loyal, dedicated, and stood for what he believed in.

It can’t go without mentioning that he loved a good strawberry shortcake, chocolate cake, banana pudding, and a good sherbert.

He absolutely loved the Tennessee VOLS and loved his hometown. He has always wanted to bring his “boys”, his grandsons to Tennessee, which was finally able to happen this past summer. Those memories will be cherished for a lifetime. His favorite season was Fall because that meant hunting was about to start, and he absolutely loved the holidays, especially Christmas. Billy’s last few months were really tough, but he fought hard and had a strong will to live. It’s no surprise that God took him when he did, as Billy will be able to hunt and fish as much as he wants beyond those pearly gates. No more pain, no more suffering, and every day is now like Christmas!

The family would like to express their gratitude to Floris and Stanley Lauland, Jerrilyn Scalf (David), Ashley Lauland Gauthier (Steven), Melissa Bustamante (Luis), and Sherry Marse (Lloyd) for their unending support, friendship, and comfort over the last year. A special thanks to Sonny Naquin of Mississippi for always being there for the family and for maintaining the camp in Billy’s absence.

A Mass will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, November 19th, 2021 in the chapel of Westside/Leitz-Eagan

Funeral Home at 5101 Westbank Expressway in Marrero, Louisiana. The Mass will be officiated by Father Chris Zavackis. A visitation will be held from 12:00PM until the service time. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.WestsideLeitzEagan.com for the Mays family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Billy’s name to Catch a dream foundation. Catch-A-Dream is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that grants once-in-a-lifetime hunting and fishing experiences to children 18 years old or younger who have a life-threatening illness. There has been a memorial page set up for Billy; donations can be made through the following link.

https://www.catchadream.org/inmemory/