ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 18, 1997 TAG: 9703180036
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
In his 52 years in Roanoke, George B. Cartledge Sr. set a standard for business, civic and philanthropic leadership.
GEORGE B. Cartledge Sr. of Roanoke, who died Sunday at the age of 87, once said his greatest accomplishment wasn't his business but his family. And what a family.
It includes, of course, his children and grandchildren - those who've continued to build both the patriarch's Roanoke-based Grand Piano and Furniture Co. and his philanthropic legacy. The family also includes employees in the company's chain of furniture stores in Virginia and neighboring states.
And it includes thousands who benefited from Cartledge's leadership and generous support of dozens of local charitable, civic and cultural enterprises. The Roanoke Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, Community Hospital, Center in the Square, Explore Park, Mill Mountain Theater and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra are but a few that Cartledge nurtured with his time, talent and financial contributions.
A native of Georgia, Cartledge moved to Roanoke in 1945 to buy with two partners Grand Piano; he became its sole owner in 1950. The flagship store is in downtown Roanoke, and so was much of Cartledge's focus. He played a leadership role in Design '79, which is credited with bringing 40 retail businesses and $130 million in investment to downtown.
In many endeavors, he joined with another of Roanoke's storied entrepreneurs and philanthropists, the late John Hancock, founder of Roanoke Electric Steel. Cartledge and Hancock, friends and political allies, worked hand in hand to bring about so many positive developments that their names became almost inextricably linked.
At Grand Piano stores, where every customer is offered a cold Coke, Cartledge once sent to employees a directive: ``Let me emphasize how important it is to give our Cokes with enthusiasm and a smile.'' That's how he dispensed his efforts on behalf of many good causes - with enthusiasm and a smile.
LENGTH: Short : 43 linesby CNB