Industry veteran Ed Fritz dies at 69

Was sales, marketing exec for Durham Furniture

Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, July 22, 2010

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Industry veteran Ed Fritz, director of sales and marketing for Canadian bedroom specialist Durham Furniture, died here on July 17. He was 69.

Edmund William Fritz got his start in the industry working for the furniture division of S&H Green Stamps, but originally studied for the ministry in the Lutheran Church. After earning his doctorate of divinity from North Carolina's Duke University, he was ordained here.

Friends said Fritz loved to cheer for Duke and anyone else who was playing the University of North Carolina.

He had a long association with the furniture industry in Canada. One of his first senior assignments in the industry was as president of Universal Canada for three years beginning in 1984. He also served as vice president of merchandising for Magnussen Home, and had been with Durham since 2008.

Earlier in his career, he worked for Lane as vice president of international sales, and was president of the now defunct Jamestown Sterling and Wisconsin Furniture. He also established a furniture industry consulting firm in 2005.

He is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren.

A memorial service was held earlier this week. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Greensboro Urban Ministry or Habitat for Humanity.
Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com