ATLANTA — Bernard "Bernie" Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot and a Republican megadonor, has died at the age of 95, according to the company on Tuesday.
Marcus founded The Home Depot with Arthur Blank back in 1978 and served as the company's chairman until his retirement back in 2002, according to CNN.
The Home Depot released a statement following:
The entire Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our co-founder Bernie Marcus. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie. He was a master merchant and a retail visionary. But even more importantly, he valued our associates, customers and communities above all. He’s left us with an invaluable legacy and the backbone of our company: our values.
We offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Billi, and the entire family. He will be missed.
Gov. Brian Kemp also took to X to release his own statement on Marcus' passing.
Marcus was born in New Jersey, the son of Russian immigrants, and his opportunity did not come easily or early.
He was 49 years old in 1978 when he lost his job as CEO of Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers.
Now, he had his chance to change the home improvement business by creating a huge warehouse-style store that stocked everything at low prices.
Just months later, Bernie and Arthur Blank moved to Atlanta and founded The Home Depot with help from friend and investment banker Ken Langone. Now, almost 50 years later, The Home Depot is a world-class Fortune 500 company.
He didn't stop there. His success in business carried over to philanthropy. Since its founding in 1989, The Marcus Foundation has given over 2.7 billion dollars through more than 3,500 grants, transforming hundreds of organizations in Georgia.
On Tuesday, Blank issued his own statement: "I am heartbroken at the passing of my dearest friend, Bernie Marcus. Today, I’ve lost a father figure, mentor, brother and business and life partner. While this loss is profoundly painful, I am grateful for the close to 60 years we spent together, navigating challenges and celebrating successes, and I am honored to have been part of Bernie’s remarkable life."
Marcus' name is seen all over metro Atlanta. The Marcus Community Bridge program at Shepherd Center. The CDC Marcus Emergency Operations Center. The Marcus Stroke Center at Grady Memorial Hospital. The Marcus Autism Center and so much more.
He focused on medical research and direct medical care, including a grant of 75 million dollars to Piedmont Health Care.
Marcus donated to several charities and Jewish and medical organizations, and a 250 million dollar grant helped open the Georgia Aquarium in 2005.
Marcus retired from Home Depot in 2002, but his impact in Atlanta continued and will continue for decades.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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