Erbie Gail Mize
Erbie Gail Mize died on Tuesday, January 6, 2014.
Mr. Mize was born in Columbus, MS. His family moved to Chattanooga and graduated from Central High School.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline “Polly” Mize, father, William E. Mize, son William C. “W.C.” Mize, and brother Lyn Mize.
E. Gail Mize, vice president of National Accounts for Astec Industries, Inc., was one of the company’s founders in 1972. From an idea, he and a small group of other men grew Astec from a kitchen table to a multinational company.
His responsibilities through the years have included VP of Engineering for Astec, Inc., Executive VP for Astec, Inc., over Sales and Marketing for Astec asphalt plants and COO for Astec, Inc.
Mr. Mize attended the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga where he majored in engineering and physics. He held 15 United States and foreign patents covering heat transfer and mechanical developments.
Mr. Mize served on AEM’s board of directors and ARTBA’s board of directors.
He served the asphalt industry on the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Environmental Committee and as chairman of the Construction Industry Manufacturing Association’s Bituminous and Aggregate Equipment Bureau. He also served as a liaison chairman covering endeavors of the NAPA and BAEB (Bituminous and Aggregate Equipment Bureau).
Gail was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His outgoing, generous spirit and generosity drew people to him personally and professionally. Gail was a faithful servant of his Lord and savior, most recently as a member of Brainerd Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ann Cheek Mize, daughter Lisa Mize (Gary) Tester, grandchildren Abigail (Brad) Farmer and Emma Tester, Tessa Mize and William Mize. He also leaves three great-grandchildren. Gail also will be missed by numerous other relatives, friends and customers.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Barry Wilks officiating. The interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Tester, Brad Farmer, Floyd Cheek, Tim O’Kelley, Mike Colosia, Jesse Wetmore.
Visit www.heritage.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family request that memorial contributions be made to, Brainerd Baptist Church, 300 Brookfield Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37411.
The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.