ACKWORTH, GA.—He spent his entire business career of 47 years in the carpet industry and achieved the highest measure of success—president of the largest manufacturer in the business. He began in the family distributing firm and became the youngest president of a major mill at the time. Jack Paton was an astute businessman, an outstanding salesman and a dedicated friend... more

ARLINGTON, TEX.—She was kind, compassionate, generous and always looked out for the best interest of installers everywhere. Known as Jodi to her friends and the industry, Joetta BlueJacket died at her home here Feb. 7 after a battle with lung cancer. She was 62... more

Longtime retailer Phil Fruchter of Montauk Carpet & Rug in Farmingdale, N.Y., passed away Jan. 24. He was 85... more

The year 2008 was a tumultuous one, confusing and confounding, full of apprehension and foreboding... more

BOCA RATON, FLA.—Martin Greenwood’s career in the carpet industry was entirely as an entrepreneur. For more than 40 years he was in his own business in the Dalton area and eventually divested and relocated to Florida... more

BOCA RATON, FLA.—His long career in the carpet industry and distinguished record won him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and competitors alike... more

DALLAS—She was a loving mom, admired and respected by her peers and colleagues, but on Nov. 11 her life, as well as that of one of her daughters, was tragically taken by a crazed gunman. Jeanne Carroll was 52; her daugher Janice Leigh Hill was just 24... more

PERRY HALL, MD.—Industry associates remember him as very charismatic, warm and friendly, always helpful and the consummate professional... more

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.—Charles Mussallem III, a larger-than-life figure in the industry who brought his family’s Oriental rug business to new heights of popularity and prosperity, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 24. He was 57 and had a history of heart disease... more

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL.—He was the consummate professional— friendly, honest, hard working, mentor—and it was those qualities that made him one of the most-respected leaders in the flooring industry during his 38-year career. On his 79th birthday, Sept. 2, Dean B... more