Ewin Ottinger, 71, president and owner of George G. Lee Co. for more than 30 years, died peacefully on October 16, 2009 in Norfolk, VA. He also served as president of Southern Wholesalers Association and was a member of the American Supply Association.
Ottinger purchased George G. Lee Co., Inc., in 1978. According to George E. Worley III, Vice President/General Manager of George G. Lee Co., "He had no experience in the wholesale distribution business but was an experienced business man visionary as it applied to the business. He had no preset ideas of what was right or wrong so he did things his way. He was a hands on owner, rarely missing a day of work. I worked with him for about 25 years and do not believe he missed more then 5 days in that whole time. I know this because I had only missed 6 days and he would refer to me as a slacker."
He was adamant about the continued education of his employees and always had active programs to encourage it. He served as President of SWA in 2002. He had been active on the board of directors and chaired committees for years prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ewin's name to Norfolk Academy or Virginia Beach Community Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com
Read herefor the online obituary.
George G. Lee Co. Inc. has been locally owned and operated for 83 years in the same location.
