Cobb Harley-Davidson dealer dies in copter crash

Family and motorcycles were Earl Small’s passions, along with giving back to the community.

The motorcycle enthusiast and Cobb County businessman sponsored charity events each month including working to help fight muscular dystrophy.

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Earl Small's Harley-Davidson

Earl Small died in a helicopter crash in New York state.

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Small died over the weekend in a helicopter crash shortly taking off from upstate New York. He was 57.

Small was in New York to purchase a helicopter, according Powder Springs police Det. Kelly Gobely. His family reported him missing Friday after he didn’t check in following his flight.

Small’s body was found near Dryden, N.Y. early Sunday morning. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating the crash.

Small owned two dealerships in Georgia — Earl Small’s Harley-Davidson on South Cobb Drive in Marietta and Harley-Davidson of Cartersville. He also owned Carolina Honda in South Carolina and Stockmar Airport in Douglas County.

“Earl Small’s name is synonymous with motorcycles, ” said Rob Feller, marketing and public relations manager at Earl Small’s Harley-Davidson. “He will be sorely missed. He was sort of a larger than life persona. He had that presence about himself when he walked into a room.”

Small’s motorcycle businesses grew from a three-employee dealership in 1986 into a 115-person operation.

“He was a good, astute businessman,” Feller said. “People knew about Earl Small throughout the South.”

Small is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and two sons, Marshall and Mitchell. Marshall recently joined the Powder Springs police department.

Small’s funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at McEachern United Methodist Church in Powder Springs. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta.