MARIETTA, Ga. -- Bob Bourne, founder of the paint, body and equipment jobber store Auto Color Co. Inc. in Marietta, Ga., died May 25 of a stroke at the age of 78.

Bourne founded the company in 1966 and grew it to 18 locations covering Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama. Auto Color Co. was one of the largest PB&E jobbers in the South until it was purchased by FinishMaster, Inc. in October 2007. Bourne's two sons, David and Dean, were involved in running the operations and sales of the company.

"Bob was a true entrepreneur in the industry," said Howard Batchelor of FinishMaster. "He showed that if you work hard, you can accomplish anything. He will be sadly missed."

Arrangements are being handled by Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna, Ga. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 29, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Smyrna on King Street.