Edward Albers Jr.

Edward Albers, Jr.

Knoxville, TN

Edward Sanford Albers, Jr. (Bud) died peacefully at home on October 7, 2016. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Harriet Zinck Albers; sister, Margaret Albers Newton; brother-in-law, Ernest C. Newton; and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sanford Albers, Sr. (Margaret Neill Sullins). A fifth-generation Knoxvillian, Bud was born on August 2, 1925. While at Knoxville High School, Bud attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1941, graduated in 1943 and enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII. After the war, he returned to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and served as editor of the 1948 Volunteer Yearbook, was inducted into the Scaribbean Senior Society and graduated in 1948 with a B.S. in Marketing. Upon graduation, Bud joined his family business, Knoxville-based Albers Drug Company. Originally Sanford, Chamberlain and Albers, this wholesale pharmaceutical distributor opened for business on Gay Street in November 1864. Upon his father's death in 1954, Bud became president of Albers Drug Company at age 29, becoming the third generation of his family to lead the business. Under Bud's leadership, the company expanded facilities, growing from a single wholesale distribution center in Knoxville to a complete medical goods and services supplier for six southern states.

In addition to serving as president of the National Wholesale Druggist Association, Bud was one of the driving forces in Washington behind the implementation of the National Drug Code. This coding system was used to barcode pharmaceutical labels and is still in use today, administered by the FDA. Compliance was not mandated; rather, it was accomplished with the voluntary cooperation of manufacturers and wholesalers, something of which Bud was very proud. He served as director of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and as chairman of the Healthcare Distributors of America. Bud was the recipient of numerous industry awards for leadership and progressive ingenuity. He will always be remembered as an innovator in his industry, setting high standards and changing the value of distributors in the healthcare marketplace. Like his father and grandfather before him, Bud's love for his country, state, and hometown was evident in his community involvement. Extremely proud of his Knoxville heritage and roots, Bud was a lifelong member of Church Street United Methodist Church where his great-great-grandfather, David Sullins, had been Pastor. He was honored by the Jr. Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 1993; received the Pillar of Support Award from the East Tennessee Historical Society; and served in various positions on the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Knoxville Tourist Bureau, the Lawson McGhee Library, the Blount Mansion Association and the Boy Scout Advisory Board. Perhaps Bud's greatest gift to Knoxville and East Tennessee was serving as president of The East Tennessee Historical Society. It was his joy to be a part of the museum's doubling in size and scope, making it profitable and sustainable as the showplace of East Tennessee history. Upon his death, Bud was the longest-tenured member of the Knoxville Rotary Club, having joined the Downtown Chapter in 1955.

In addition to his 60-year business career, he was an extremely gifted artist. Bud and Harriet traveled extensively. It was during these trips that the majority of his art was created. His collection includes over 600 watercolors, pen and ink drawings and sketches. Art was his hobby, but because of his need to "accomplish something daily," Bud undertook the project of preserving all 600 of his works for posterity. At age 87, he had a website built for his paintings, in chronological and geographical order, for all to enjoy. Bud was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend. Family came first to him always, and as a result, he was a joy to be around. His keen wit and larger-than-life personality always made people flock to him. His sense of humor was impeccable, and he was comfortable as the life of the party, entertaining everyone with his stories, jokes, limericks and toasts. His employees, friends and family adored him for this wonderful trait that he had and shared. He was blessed with many friends and cherished these relationships. Upon retirement, he started the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and loved his lunches with the "Young SAEs" and "Old SAEs", his dogs, Grandfather Mountain, jazz and music of all kinds, and, of course, the Big Orange. Bud's greatest love was his family. He has left a rich legacy of stories, lessons and advice (Hang Bacon) for them. A lifelong learner, "GrandBud" was a wonderful grandfather and enjoyed teaching, traveling and spending time with this next generation. His eternally optimistic spirit and positive attitude were contagious.

He is survived by his three daughters and seven grandchildren, Louise Albers Carson of Atlanta (Mark), Edward Sanford Albers Burruss, Charles Harris Burruss and Thomas Jamison Burruss, Neill Albers Townsend of Knoxville (John), Samuel Cromwell Carey, Jr. and Margaret Louise Carey, and Emily Albers Patton of Tuscaloosa (Abner), Abner Edward Patton and William Jamison Patton. He is also survived by nephews, Dr. E. Douglas Newton of Signal Mountain (Robin), Edward Albers Newton of Collierville (Diane); and favorite niece, Meg Newton Aiken of Lookout Mountain (Mike). The family is most appreciative of the devotion of his special friends, Sarah Stowers and Fred Reagan.

Bud always said we need to leave any place better than when we found it. He succeeded in that, as evidenced by living life according to his mantra, "Every Day's A Gift." Following a family interment at Old Gray Cemetery, a celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Church Street United Methodist Church with the Bishop Richard Looney and the Rev. William J. Fowler officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The family requests that memorials be made to Old Gray Cemetery/Ella Albers Fountain Campaign, 543 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com