Supermarket leader Gene Walters dies

Portsmouth, Va - Local supermarket leader Gene Walters passed away Wednesday.

For years, Walters ran the Farm Fresh supermarkets and often appeared in commercials with his famous line "Tell a friend."

He left and started his own local chain, Gene Walters Marketplace, but later sold the chain and rejoined Farm Fresh as a consultant.

Ron Dennis, president and chief operating officer for Farm Fresh, said Walters will be remembered for his leadership skills and ingenuity.

"He cared so much for his associates, his customers and he was committed to the Hampton Roads community," Dennis said.  "Gene is Farm Fresh, was and always will be Farm Fresh. Gene is an icon in this business. Virtually anybody and everybody you speak to in this industry and in this community respected Gene and looked up to him, without exception."

Walters was 86 years old and lived in Virginia Beach.

Check WAVY.com for updates on funeral arraignments.