Former USA Truck CEO Simone Dies at 54
Former USA Truck Inc. CEO John Simone has died at 54.
Simone, who suffered from cancer, died in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on March 24, nearly a year after taking a leave of absence from the CEO position for treatment of strokes connected to lung cancer. Simone resigned from his post in July.
During his two years as CEO, the Van Buren, Arkansas-based company returned to profitability after suffering nearly three years of losses. Simone joined the company that ranks No. 50 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers in February of 2013 as its CEO.
Before coming to USA Truck, he had 30 years of experience in the industry that he began as an apprentice diesel mechanic. The Connecticut native later served at Ryder Transportation Services, UPS Inc., Greatwide Logistics and LinkAmerica. He left LinkAmerica to join USA Truck.
Survivors include his son Anthony, his mother, two sisters, a nephew and two nieces, according to an obituary notice posted by the Oxley Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach.
A memorial service has been set for 1 p.m. on April 23 at the funeral home. The family will receive visitors prior to the memorial service.
The family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach.
