Charleston, S.C.—Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. died at home May 6th after a long battle with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. The longtime CEO and lately chairman emeritus of Cameron & Barkley Co., based in Charleston, S.C., was active in many community organizations, according to reports in the Charleston Post and Courier.

Barkley was honored as Business Leader of the Year in 1996 by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. His great-grandfather co-founded the industrial supply company in 1865. He took over the reins at the company from his father, Rufus Sr., in 1959.

In 1975, Cameron & Barkley became a stock-ownership held company and was fully employee-owned several years later.

One of Barkley's close friends and business associates, Sonny Hanckel, was quoted on Barkley's passing by the local newspaper.

"Whenever someone needed him, he always came through. His attitude was wonderful right up until the end. He was ready, but he wasn't ready. His body just wouldn't give up," Hanckel said.

Barkley graduated from the University of Virginia. Donations to a memorial scholarship fund can be sent to: Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Educational Scholarship Fund, The Community Foundation, 90 Mary Street, Charleston, S.C., 29403.