Terry Alan Walker, who spent 28 years as purchasing director at The Apollo Group, has died. A longtime resident of Boynton Beach, Florida, Walker passed away surrounded by his family, according to a statement from the company.

He began his career working alongside his father and brother at the family business, Torchio’s Deli, before joining Apollo, where he would go on to spend nearly three decades in purchasing.

“Terry became part of the fabric of Apollo, sharing in the company’s growth, challenges and successes and building relationships that extended well beyond business,” the company said in a statement.

Walker was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and grew up in Pennsylvania with his parents, Ethel and Worley, his sister, Carolyn, and his brothers, Rick and Steve.

Walker was known for his incredible depth of industry knowledge and for relationships that were built with colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners over the years, according to Apollo.

He is survived by his two daughters, Meredith and Lindsay.

“After 28 years together, Terry leaves behind much more than a professional legacy,” the company said in its statement. “He leaves behind friendships, stories, memories and a permanent place in the history of Apollo.”