HOUSTON—Steve Disney, a Louis-ville, Ky., tire dealer and past president of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), died Jan. 24 of post-op complications following artificial heart transplant surgery in Houston.
Mr. Disney headed Louisville-based Disney Tire Co., following in the footsteps of his father Paul Disney, who co-founded the wholesale tire dealership with his father in 1950.
In 2005 Raben Tire Co. Inc. acquired Disney Tire's assets.
Mr. Disney served as president of the Tire Association of North America prior to its merger with the International Tire and Rubber Association that led to the creation of TIA in 2002, and served as the association's first president.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Steve's passing,” said Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Disney family as they mourn the loss of such a great man and industry leader.”
Mr. Disney received many accolades throughout his career, including being a recipient of TIA's Industry Leadership Award in 2003.
TIA said his vision and focus on the future led to the discussions that gave life to what has become the strongest tire-related association in the world.
“As the first president of the new association back in 2002, Steve set the standard for leadership and his emphasis on maintaining a consistently high level of service to the members continues to this day,” said Randy Groh, TIA president.
“We are forever indebted to him and other past-presidents who have worked so hard to make TIA the first class organization that it has become.”
Mr. Disney's family is planning a memorial service at a future date.
Mr. Disney is survived by his wife Cathy and children, Clark and Christine.