Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House and a trustee for the Atlanta Police Foundation, has died at 58 after a long illness.

Ehmer, who joined Waffle House in 1992, became president in 2002 and later took on the roles of CEO and chairman.

He was also active in various organizations, including the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, the Associated Press has reported.

Mayor Andre Dickens and Waffle House’s board of directors praised his impactful leadership and dedication. Ehmer is survived by three children.

Written by B.C. Begley