Co-founder of Shaw Industries, J.C. “Bud” Shaw, passed away Jan. 16 at the age of 85.
“All of us at Shaw Industries are saddened by the passing of J.C. Shaw, who was a founder and chairman emeritus of our company,” said Vance Bell, chairman and CEO of Shaw. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Bud has been a great friend and supporter of Shaw Industries during his retirement and up to his final days. We will greatly miss his friendship, support and counsel.”
Shaw was born in Dalton on Dec. 18, 1929, the oldest of four children to Julius Clarence and Essie Evans Shaw. After graduation from Dalton High School, he enrolled in Georgia Tech in the fall of 1946.
He earned his B.S. degree in textile engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950. While still in school and after graduation, Shaw worked in a management training program with American Thread Co. In 1952, he served in the armed forces for a year before joining the I.E. Department of Crown Cotton Mills in Dalton, where he started the carpet yarn division. Shaw joined Marion Manufacturing Co. in 1958 as general manager of Rocky Creek Mills, the carpet yarn division of Marion. In 1959, Rocky Creek Mills and Star Dye Co. formed Star Finishing Co., and Shaw served as a director. J.P. Stevens Co. purchased Rocky Creek Mills in 1964, and Shaw became general manager of the automotive division. In 1965, he moved to Cartersville, Ga. with Dan River Carpets as general manager.
Shaw is a past board member and chairman of the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI); Georgia Tech Foundation, Georgia Tech National Advisory Board, Georgia Tech Research, Emory-Georgia Tech Biomedical Technology Research Center, Kennesaw State College, Rabun-Gap Nacoochee School, Bartow County Bank, First National Bank of Cobb County, Georgia State Chamber of Commerce, Post Properties, Georgia Heart Association, Columbia Theological Seminary Board of Trustees and Council of Fellows. He also served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Cartersville for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaretta Lumpkin Shaw; brother, Bob; sons, Julius Clarence Shaw Jr. and Robert Lee Shaw, and daughters, Lyda Shaw White and Rebecca Shaw Shepherd.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 183 W. Main St., Cartersville, Ga. 30120, or to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.
