H. Neil Mauldin, former president and owner of Mauldin Brothers Equipment Inc., died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006. He was 72.

The Mauldin family began making pavers for its general contracting business in the 1950s. In 1962, Neil’s father, “Hub” Mauldin, formed Mauldin Manufacturing Company and began manufacturing asphalt paving equipment. Over the next 32 years, Neil and his family built the Mauldin mark into one of the most recognized brands in commercial asphalt paving equipment.

In 1994, Neil and his brother, Gene, sold the family business to another father and his sons. The corporate name was changed to Calder Brothers Corporation to clarify ownership, but the product still wears the Mauldin badge that Neil and his family worked for so many years to establish.

Neil’s son, Tim, and nephew, Danny, still maintain prominent positions in the business.

Neil’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit propelled the brand from strength to strength during the 1970s and 1980s with a series of product offerings that pushed the advancement of the commercial asphalt paving industry. Neil owned three United States patents. As the business grew, he was continuously broadening the product offering.

Neil also was known as a man who rarely said “no” when asked by a contractor if he could produce something a little bit special or customized. His spirit lives on today as members of the Mauldin and Calder families continue his dedication to the commercial asphalt paving contractor.

“Neil was a phenomenal mentor,” the company said. “He provided superb guidance on all levels of the business during those key years that immediately followed the acquisition. Neil will be remembered for his ingenuity and friendship that continued long past his legal obligations to the Calder family. Neil’s impact on the Mauldin mark and on the commercial asphalt paving industry will be felt for years to come. Neil will be greatly missed by the entire Mauldin organization and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

He is survived by his wife, Doris Mauldin; two sons, David N. Mauldin and wife Sherry of Travelers Rest, SC, Timothy W. Mauldin and wife, Katie of Travelers Rest, SC; a daughter, Debbie Stokes and husband John of Alpharetta, GA; a brother, William R. ’Bob’ Mauldin of Crosshill, SC; sisters, Frances Smith of Taylors, SC, Ruby Bell of Greenville, SC, Joyce Houle of Homosassa, FL, Judi Mauldin of Taylors, SC; and four grandchildren.

Neil was preceded in death by his brother, B. E. ’Gene’ Mauldin in 1995.

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