By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Graveside services will be held Tuesday at Elmwood Cemetery for Birmingham businessman William Bowron, who helped transform Red Diamond Coffee and Tea from a small firm into a national player in the beverage industry.
Family members said Bowron died Saturday. He was 87.
Bowron was the third generation of his family to lead the longtime Birmingham-based firm that got its start in 1906.
Bowron served as chairman of Donovan Coffee Co., Red Diamond's parent company, and as Red Diamond's president and chief executive.
Bowron took part in D-Day as a member of the 51st Chemical Company and earned two bronze stars after landing at Utah Beach.
Besides Shila, his wife of 56 years, Bowron is survived by their three children and six grandchildren.