LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WSIL) -- Retired NBA standout and CEO of Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company Junior Bridgeman has died at the age of 71.
Bridgeman led Louisville to a Final Four appearance and was a star with the Milwaukee Bucks, playing 711 games for the NBA team before retiring after 12 years in 1987.
From NBA great to owning restaurant franchises, Bridgeton established in securing more business success. He also partnered with The Coca-Cola Company.
On February 25, 2017, Bridgeman cemented his relationship with The Coca-Cola Company after the formation of the , which serves territories in Kansas, Missouri and ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois.
He served as the owner and CEO with the Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which has 18 territories, including in Du Quoin, Illinois, and Jackson, Missouri.
Heartland Coca-Cola shared a statement on Owner and CEO Junior Bridgeman's passing.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved CEO and Owner, Junior Bridgeman. Junior was a visionary leader who built Heartland on his unwavering values, treating each employee like family and leading with integrity, humility, compassion, and dedication.
His legacy of kindness, leadership, and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bridgeman family during this incredibly difficult time.
Junior's spirit will forever remain a guiding light within our Heartland family, and he will be greatly missed. - Heartland Coca-Cola
The Milwaukee Bucks also shared a statement on their Facebook page..."We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family."
