HOUSTON, TX - The industry recently lost one of its pioneers, as Sysco Corp. announced the passing of its former CEO, Bill Lindig. Part of the food industry since 1940s, Mr. Lindig played an integral role in Sysco’s growth and evolution, and will be sorely missed.

Mr. Lindig started in the food industry helping his mother at the neighborhood grocery store she ran in Austin, Texas, The Wall Street Journal reports. Over the years, Mr. Lindig’s career grew, and he served in several leadership roles, including COO of Sysco, starting in 1985, and CEO from 1995 to 2000, during which time, the company’s annual sales rose from $12 billion to $19 billion. Mr. Lindig spearheaded efforts to find acquisitions to add to Sysco’s operations, including the 1988 acquisition of CFS Continental in 1988, which provided Sysco nationwide coverage, according to the news source.

Mr. Lindig passed away due to heart failure on December 25 in Lindale, Texas, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Bobetta Clayton Lindig, their two sons, and four grandchildren.

We offer our condolences to Mr. Lindig’s family and all who knew him as a family member, a friend, and an industry pioneer.