John Belk dies at 87

John Belk, chairman emeritus of Belk Inc., and former mayor of Charlotte, N.C., died in his home on Friday at the age of 87.

Belk served as the ceo of his namesake department store, founded by his father in 1888, for 50 years until 2004, when his nephew Tim Belk succeeded him.

During his tenure, he has made Belk into the largest privately held U.S. department store retailer. The store focuses on accommodating customers with selection, quality and customer service.

Even in passing, Belk made a difference. The family requested that the memorials be made to the John M. Belk Educational Endowment or a charity of their choice. More than 1,200 people paid tribute.  

He is survived by his wife, Claudia Watkins Belk; daughter, Mary Claudia Belk Pilon; brothers Irwin Belk and Henderson Belk; sister, Sarah Belk Gambrell and three grandchildren.