Rawson Haverty dies at 86
Led Top 100 retailer for more than three decades
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 26, 2007
ATLANTA — Rawson Haverty, chairman emeritus of Top 100 company Havertys, who led, modernized and grew the chain for more than three decades, died here today after a brief illness. He was 86.
“Mr. Haverty will long be remembered as a man of great vision and success in business, civic and charitable endeavors, but more importantly, he will be remembered as a man of wonderful competitive spirit, generosity, and absolute integrity,” said Havertys Chairman Clarence H. Ridley, a nephew.
Haverty was president of the Atlanta-based retailer from 1955 to 1984, CEO from to 1955 to 1990, and chairman from 1984 to 2000. He was a director of the company for 57 years until 2004 and after his retirement, he continued to attend board meetings and often weekly executive meetings.
“Mr. Haverty’s leadership and business acumen were recognized throughout the industry and were of great benefit not only to the company but to the city of Atlanta,” said Clarence Smith, another nephew and the company’s CEO.
“He led Havertys during a period of growth and expansion; building on the foundation of a company established by his grandfather in 1885 and helped create a wonderful culture within the company which bears his name. He has left a lasting impact on the lives of so many through his generosity and community spirit,” Smith said.
Rawson Haverty was educated in Georgia schools, earning a bachelor’s degree in political sciences from the University of Georgia.
He joined the company in 1941 and although his father was president, he began as a file clerk. He served in the U.S. Army shortly after the country entered World War II, earning the rank of major and the Bronze Star, then rejoined the retailer after the war.
When he became president in 1955, the company had 38 stores in 23 cities in 10 Southern states and annual sales of $16.8 million. Haverty led the company through its transition of stores located in downtown districts to the suburbs. He is credited with modernizing the company, investing in technology and centralizing functions for more efficient and profitable operations.
By the end of 2000, when he stepped down as chairman, sales had grown forty-fold with 106 stores in 68 cities in 14 Southern and Midwestern states.
He was inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame in 2005.
Haverty held leadership roles in a number of business, public service and charitable organizations, including director and chairman of Bank South and numerous other corporate boards. He was a longtime member and former president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and worked on the MARTA study commission. His time and finances were also instrumental in the development and construction of St. Joseph’s Hospital here.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Margaret Munnerlyn Haverty; their five children: Margaret E. (Peggy) Glover; Jane M. Haverty; Rawson Haverty, Jr., senior vice president, real estate and development for Havertys; Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Bousson; and Ben M. Haverty; and 12 grandchildren.
Funeral services are set for Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at H.M. Patterson Spring Hill Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mary E. Haverty Foundation, Attn: Kim Wade, Bank of America, 600 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite 1100, Atlanta, Ga., 30308; or St. Joseph’s Mercy Foundation, 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 30342.
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Retail icon Rawson Haverty dies at 86
Feb 18, 2007
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