Founded Abner Records in 1958 (originally called Falcon Records).
Joined Motown Records in 1966 and was its President from 1973-75.
Former executive at Chance Records in Chicago from 1950-54.
Survived by his wife , a brother David, seven children: Billie Plantino , Diane Patterson, Chemin Ware, and Tony Allison, Ewart G. III, Casey Abner, two grandsons, one great-granddaughter.