[Charleston, S.C.] It is with great sadness that Southern Diversified Distributors announced past president and chief executive officer of William M. Bird, Benjamin Hagood Sr., passed away Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
The company said Ben Hagood, Sr. was a visionary and a leader in the flooring industry for 50 years. He was William M. Bird’s sixth president before retiring from the then 128 year old company at the end of 1993. During his career, he served as a member on the NAFCD Board and was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAFCD in 2012.
Ben Hagood, Sr. is survived by his wife of 65 years, four sons and their wives, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His legacy of faith, family and leadership permeates the William M. Bird core values that define the company today, the company said, adding that all who knew him appreciated his modesty, enthusiasm and gentleness. Hagood will be greatly missed among the William M. Bird and Southern Diversified Distributors family of companies.