David L. Peebles, 87, who spent 25 years building Ferguson Enterprises into a billion-dollar distribution powerhouse, was named Daily Press Citizen of the Year for 2015, in recognition of the community work Peebles has accomplished.

Much of the work Peebles did prior to retiring in 1994 as president of Ferguson is well-known to the readers of The Wholesaler.

In its proclamation for the award, however, the Newport News reminds everyone that his “commitment to the community outlasted his business career.”

You can read the proclamation here, and read more about Peebles’ storied wholesaling career here.