The company, founded by Leslie Lampton in 1954 with two employees, was built to serve industries essential to global manufacturing and infrastructure.
With the support of his bride, the former Dorothy Lee Crum, Mr. Lampton embarked on a business career spanning 64 years that would see him at the helm of Ergon, a diversified empire that provides jobs to over 4,200 employees in Mississippi, 29 other states, and several other countries.
While other businesses were moving to Texas during the oil boom years, Mr. Lampton made a commitment to remain in Mississippi, his home state.
He was generous and supported activities for the children of his employees, from establishing academic scholarships to buying Girl Scout cookies.
Mr. Lampton preferred not to seek any recognition for his charitable donations, telling others who wanted to use his name that he was just doing what the Lord asked all of us to do.