Former mayor, retailer John Belk dies
Published: Fri, Aug. 17, 2007 04:52PM
Modified Fri, Aug. 17, 2007 05:06PM
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closeCHARLOTTE -- John Montgomery Belk, former chairman and chief executive of Belk Inc. who was the mayor of Charlotte for nearly a decade, died today at his home, the company said. He was 87.
Belk helped build the department store chain into a regional power after spending 50 years as its helm. He also served four terms as mayor in North Carolina's largest city, from 1969 to 1977.
"John was a highly respected businessman and beloved community leader who played an integral role in the growth, development and success of his company and the Charlotte community," said Darrell Williams, a spokesman for Belk Inc.
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The company is the nation's largest privately owned department store with more than 310 stores in 16 states in the southeast, southwest and mid-Atlantic regions.
Belk died at his home in Charlotte. A funeral service will be held Monday at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Belk, the son of company founder William Henry Belk, joined the company in 1945, following his service during World War II in the Army. His first job was at the company's downtown Charlotte store.
He held key top management positions in the company's central buying office organization and became president of the various Belk Inc. store corporations in the early 1950s. Belk served as the company's chief executive until his retirement in May 2004.
"Today is a sad day," Williams said. "He will be truly missed."
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