Edward M. Stocker Jr., a lifelong tire industry figure, died May 12, 2011. He was 75.
Stocker was employed by the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. from 1956-1970. He held field positions in retail, wholesale and commercial tire sales moving on to management positions in wholesale and commercial tire sales.
In 1966 at the age of 31 he was promoted to regional vice president and was responsible for all tire sales in the Western United States.
In 1971, Stocker fulfilled his lifetime goal of being in business for himself. He owned a chain of tire stores until 1982. After selling the retail stores he founded Silver State Tire Co. Inc. in Reno, Nev. Silver State Tire was a wholesale tire distribution company with nine warehouses in six western states.
Silver State Tire was sold to ATD in 2006 (see ATD has made 11 acquisitions in five years), when Stocker retired.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ginnie, three children and four grandchildren.