DALTON, Ga. -- Funeral services were held yesterday for Paul D’huyvetter, 59 who died suddenly Friday, Nov. 15, at his office. He was senior vice president of Oriental Weavers USA and widely recognized as one of the leading executives in the U.S. rug industry.

D’huyvetter was born in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and moved to the United States at age 15. He was a graduate of Ohio State University. During the early part of his career, D’huyvetter was a shoe buyer at Lazarus Department Store in Columbus, Ohio.

He entered the textile business with Beaulieu of America, where he played a vital role in the development of Beaulieu’s area rug business, during that company’s early years in the United States.

D’huyvetter joined Oriental Weavers USA in the mid-1990s and headed the company’s sales and marketing efforts. As the leader of Oriental Weavers USA, Paul D’huyvetter created an aura of excitement and creativity.

Those who knew him well say his hands-on management style challenged every member of the staff to perform optimally at all times. D’huyvetter worked tirelessly to keep Oriental Weavers on top of an increasingly competitive business with new designs and new technology. At the time of his death, he was overseeing the construction of a large addition to the company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities.

D’huyvetter is survived by his wife Julie Bursiek D’huyvetter, son Paul, daughter Jessica, and mother Julia, as well as other members of his extended family. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 235, Dalton, Ga. 30722-0235.