In memoriam: former TTX CEO Raymond Burton

TTX Co. yesterday announced that its former president and CEO Raymond Burton Jr. died June 19 in New York City. He was 86.

Known as "Bertie" by his friends and family, Burton served as TTX's president and CEO from 1982 until his retirement in 2000. Over the course of his 18-year tenure, he modernized TTX, helping the company strengthen its financial position and meet the growing demand for the transportation of intermodal containers, trailers and automotive production, according to a TTX press release.

"His leadership was instrumental in reshaping the North American railcar pool, helping TTX serve its railroad owners and customers with greater efficiency, flexibility and scale," TTX officials said.

In addition to his business achievements, Burton was an equestrian, scholar and historian, authoring "The Eminent Americans," a two-volume biography collection chronicling notable figures in U.S. history. He was also conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Missouri in 1999 shortly after serving as president of the John W. Barriger National Railroad Library Board.

“Ray was a true renaissance man, and one of those rare leaders whose values inspired the entire corporate team,” said TTX President and CEO Thomas Wells and former TTX leader Andrew Reardon in a joint statement. 

Burton is survived by his wife Madge, a stepson and a stepdaughter. A private service was scheduled to be held this week.