Obituaries
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 24, 2002
Larry Davis, longtime Hammary sales rep
ATLANTA — Larry Dean Davis, a Hammary sales representative for 31 years and a philanthropist and community supporter, has died. He was 59.
Davis began his career in furniture after graduating from the University of Georgia. He joined Hammary in 1971 and earned a reputation for candor in managing client and dealer relationships. He received the company's Million Dollar Salesman Award for many years.
He was active in the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. and was a board member of the Georgia Home Furnishings Assn. He received the GHFA's President's Service and Man of Merit awards.
Davis was a founder and board member of the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children and was active in the Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. An estimated 1,000 people attended a service for him at the church.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, his parents, a brother and sister and their spouses, and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, 1835 Savoy Drive, Suite 316, Atlanta, Ga. 30341.
| Davis |
Helen Smith, co-owner of Serta Austin
AUSTIN, Texas — Helen Smith, co-owner of Serta Austin, died here Feb. 13. She was 86.
Along with her husband, Milton T. Smith, she owned Dormae Products, which includes Serta Austin and Economy Furniture Inds.
She was a benefactor to many organizations in the Austin area, including Texas A&M University, the University of Texas and the B'nai B'rith Women's Chapter.
Smith is survived by her husband, who is still active in the business, two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
| Smith |
Keith Ross, 40-year industry veteran
HIGH POINT — Keith Ross, a 40-year veteran of the furniture industry, has died. He was 69.
Most recently, Ross was the Carolinas representative for Chromcraft. Previously, he was sales manager for Duchess, Universal and Beechbrook.
He is survived by his wife, two children and two grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Ed Neu Sr., president of J.B. Neu Sons
INDIANAPOLIS — Ed Neu Sr., longtime president of wholesaler and designer showroom operator J.B. Neu Sons, has died at age 71.
Neu retired in 1998 from the family-owned business, founded in 1879 by his grandfather, John B. Neu. Ed Neu Sr. started with the company full-time in 1954 and became owner and president in 1976.
In 1993, he was named Man of the Year and inducted into the Distributor's Hall of Fame by the International Wholesale Furniture Assn., which he had served as president, board member and committee member.
Many family members are still involved in the company and the industry.
Survivors include his wife, Gwyndoline A. Lavely Neu, and eight children — Edward Neu Jr., Mark Neu, Christopher Neu, Michael Neu, Laurie Neu, Ann Lamb, Linda Pearson and Lisa Witsken-Gearhart. Other survivors include his brother, Frank Neu, sister, Rose Mary Swiezy, and 16 grandchildren.
Laurie Neu and Ed Neu Jr. also have served on the IWFA board.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Barnabas Catholic Church, the Nathan's Battle Foundation, or the Todd Witsken Tennis Center, in care of the Carmel Clay Education Foundation. Addresses are available from J.B. Neu Sons, (317) 585-9494.
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