Carpet industry pioneer M.B. “Bud” Seretean died Aug. 13 in London, England, after suffering an aneurysm. He was 83. Remembered by colleagues as a giant in the industry, Seretean was also a noted philanthropist and sat on the board of three professional sports teams.

Seretean helped found carpet maker Coronet Industries in 1956, and served as the company’s CEO and chairman for 30 years. Through his leadership, Coronet grew to a prominent position in the industry. The company was later sold to RCA Corp., where he sat on the board of directors,  and then Beaulieu of America.

Seretean’s professional life extended to other avenues as well. He was former president and general manager of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks from 1975-1977. He has also served on the board of the MLB’s Atlanta Braves and NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers.

Seretean, a New York native, was also a noted philanthropist. He was one of the biggest benefactors of his alma mater, Oklahoma State. He helped establish two campus buildings, including the university’s M.B. Seretean Center for the Performing Arts and the Seretean Wellness Center. Additionally, he helped establish the Seretean Center of Health Promotion at Emory University in Atlanta. According to colleagues, later in life he promoted the importance of healthy living and wrote a book on senior health called “Living Healthy to 100.”