CANTON, Ohio — William C. Ziegler, president of Ziegler Tire & Supply Co. in Massillon, Ohio, died Jan. 29. He was 75.
A graduate of Ohio State University, Ziegler began working as a certified public accountant but soon returned to the family business that was started by his uncles and devoted 48 years to Ziegler Tire.
Under his leadership, the commercial tire dealership grew steadily through acquisitions of small dealerships in Ohio and surrounding states.
Last year, Ziegler Tire was ranked the 16th largest commercial dealership in the U.S. with 22 commercial/retail locations, two truck tire retread plants, a wholesale center and two distribution centers, according to Tire Business rankings.
Ziegler believed the employees contributed to the success of the company.
In a November 2019 interview with Tire Business marking the company's centennial, Ziegler said: "Our biggest accomplishment is seeing our people grow, develop and being able to retire. We started a foundation where we help our employees' children go to college with scholarships every year. That's the thing I'm most proud of is watching the growth of some of our people."
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Diana; sons Patrick (Kelly) and Kyle; daughters Courtney and Taylor; and grandchildren Payton (Erin) and Kendall.
Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 at Lamiell Funeral Home in Canton, Ohio. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 3 at the same venue, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, Massillon.
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