Kemmons Wilson

Kemmons Wilson (January 5, 1913 – February 12, 2003) was the founder of the Holiday Inn chain of hotels.

Related Topics:
January 5 - 1913 - February 12 - 2003 - Holiday Inn - Hotels

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He was born Charles Kemmons Wilson in Osceola, Arkansas, a son of Kemmons and Ruby "Doll" Wilson. His father was an insurance salesman who died when Kemmons was nine months old. Shortly thereafter, his mother, Doll, moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she raised him.

Related Topics:
Osceola, Arkansas - Memphis, Tennessee

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He opened the first Holiday Inn motel in Memphis in 1952, and quickly added others to create an entire hotel chain. Holiday Inn went international in 1960.

Related Topics:
1952 - 1960

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Wilson was married to Dorothy Lee.

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His autobiography, Half Luck and Half Brains, tells the story of the Holiday Inn.

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Kemmons Wilson died in Memphis and is interred in Forest Hill Cemetery - Midtown in Memphis, Tennessee.

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