Former Walmart and Sam's Club exec Ron Loveless dies

Ron Loveless, the first CEO of Sam's Club who grew the retailer for several years before retiring in 1986, has died.

According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Loveless died Monday at the age of 73 after "a long battle with cancer," according to a memo from Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and Sam's Club CEO Rosalind Brewer sent to Sam's Club employees.

"Due in great part to his innovative nature, Ron rose through the ranks as Walmart grew," McMillon and Brewer wrote, calling Loveless "one of the great leaders in our history."

In his 2011 book, “Walmart Inside Out: From Stockboy to Stockholder,” Loveless talked about his humble upbringing, as well as how he started out in Walmart stores and about the company's culture. 

Read more about Loveless by clicking here.