Rush Enterprises, which operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, announced its founder W. Marvin Rush died at age 79. Rush founded the company in 1965 and served on its board of directors from its incorporation until August 2016. Rush also served as the company’s CEO from its founding through 2006.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Marvin Rush,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, chairman, CEO and president of Rush Enterprises. “With his entrepreneurial spirit, larger-than-life personality and leadership, the company grew from a single GMC truck franchise in Houston, TX, to the largest commercial vehicle dealership group in North America. Along the way, the company became the first automotive dealership group to go public, in June of 1996.

“My father’s entrepreneurial spirit, belief that our employees are our company’s most important asset and commitment to providing our customers with excellent service are the foundations of our company’s culture.  All of us at Rush Enterprises will honor his memory by continuing to uphold the culture he created and grow the company he loved so much.

“Words cannot begin to express how much I loved and admired my father. I learned so many valuable lessons from my dad about business, life, family and how to treat people with respect throughout my more than 40 years of working for and beside him. My dad was a very special person who impacted me, our family, our employees, our customers and countless others in more ways than I could ever describe in a press release. I am very blessed and grateful to have had such an amazing father, and I will miss him dearly.”

At the time of his passing, Rush was not a member of the company’s board of directors or an executive officer of the company.