Traverse City businessman Bill Marsh Sr. passed away Wednesday at the age of 80 after a battle with Alzheimer's, according to a company release from the Bill Marsh Auto Group.

Marsh, who got his start in the auto business in 1958, purchased a struggling Buick dealership in Traverse City in 1982. "Within nine months, (he) took the dealership from last place in the market to the number-one position," according to the release. Over the past three decades, Marsh expanded his business to include franchies such as GMC, Chrysler, Ford, Saturn and Hyundai. Today, Bill Marsh Auto Group employs 270 employees, making it the largest auto dealership in northern Michigan.

Marsh served as president of the Grand Traverse Offshore Racing Association and president of the St. Francis Parish Council. Under his guidance, his company became a major philanthropic contributor to community causes including the Father Fred Foundation, Munson Medical Center, Toys For Tots, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, YMCA and more.

Marsh and his wife Ann had five children, including three sons - Bill Jr., Mike and Jamie Marsh - who purchased the company from their father in 2005. Son Dan Marsh owns Red Ginger in downtown Traverse City, while daughter Terry (Marsh) Winship operates a pregnancy center in Wyoming. 

"Our dad has been a strong role model for our entire family," Bill Marsh Jr. said in a statement. "He has taught us that the values we live at home must be carried over to all parts of our lives."

Funeral arrangements for Marsh will be announced at a later date.