The business world, and in particular, the hardware retail industry, is mourning the loss of a co-founder from big box retailing giant The Home Depot this week.
Co-founder Bernie Marcus passed away late Monday night at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, according to a corporate memo originally obtained by CNN. Marcus was 95 years old.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has formally made a statement on Tuesday paying tribute to Marcus, saying that he was, "an icon of the business world who created jobs and opportunity for generations of The Home Depot employees", with his contributions in philanthropy also leaving an impactful mark on many lives through history.
Kemp also says in Tuesday's release that Georgia was blessed, "to know such a man of vision and generosity, and we will keep (his wife) Billi, the entire Marcus family, and The Home Depot team in our thoughts and prayers as we honor his life and memory."
Marcus co-founded The Home Depot with former co-worker Arthur Blank, when the two were dismissed as employees with a California hardware store's change in management during the mid-1970's, and formed a larger scale, more employee-friendly work place.
Marcus, along with his wife Billi, was also a major influence with his philanthropy work, helping to create a revitalized downtown Atlanta entertainment district, and helping to build the Georgia Aquarium.
