Obit: “Bubber” Gross from W.T. Harvey Co.

Wilfred "Bubber" Gross Jr., CEO of W.T. Harvey Lumber Co. in Columbus, Ga., passed away on Jan. 25 from cancer. He was 83 years old.

Gross joined the 149-year-old business after serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant, according to his obituary. He was named CEO in 1953.

Gross was active in the business until 2010, according to Chain Store Guide, which lists him as CEO and director of real estate. His son, Bailey Gross, now serves as president and CEO of the seven-unit chain, comprised of Ace hardware stores, home centers, a paint store, a decorating center and an industrial supply outlet.