Sully remembers ''Pitchmen'' co-star Billy Mays

Tampa, Florida - It was less than a week ago when Billy Mays and Anthony "Sully" Sullivan appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

"He (Mays) let me sit next to Conan, which was a real honor," Sullivan recalled.

But, now, Sullivan is mourning the loss of his friend and TV co-star.

"I think it's a great loss for America. I really loved him (Mays). I think it's a huge loss for the Tampa Bay community and I don't really know what to do," Sullivan told reporters Monday afternoon.

Sullivan rushed to Tampa from his home in England after hearing about Mays' death. He arrived at Tampa International Airport Monday evening and was greeted by a group of reporters.

"I'm shocked and as devastated as everybody," he said.

Mays and Sullivan were co-stars on Discovery Channel's television show Pitchmen. In fact, the season finale was scheduled for Wednesday night. However, Sullivan says the show is being re-edited. The network has also announced it will run a Pitchmen marathon on Wednesday in honor of Mays.

Sullivan says Mays was a "gentle giant" and a "family man." He says, despite their banter on Pitchmen, the two were close friends and Sullivan credits Mays with helping his career.

"He was an inspiration to me. He helped me to where I got. My company wouldn't be where it is without Billy," he said.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, but Sullivan says he may plan a memorial service for Mays in Tampa.

He added, "there will never be another Billy Mays."