CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

The Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (Nasdaq: COKE - News) family is deeply saddened by the death of its Chairman Emeritus, J. Frank Harrison, Jr., who suffered a heart attack on Tuesday, November 26, 2002. He was 72.

Mr. Harrison was a remarkable entrepreneur, building and leading a number of successful companies, including Chattanooga Glass, the Dorsey Corporation, Sewell Plastics and Coca-Cola Consolidated.

At Coca-Cola Consolidated, he served on the Board of Directors since 1975. He was Chairman from 1977 until 1996 and has served as Chairman Emeritus and Chairman of the Executive Committee for the last six years. His son, J. Frank Harrison, III, who is also Chief Executive Officer of the Company, succeeded him in 1996 as Chairman of the Board.

"Mr. Harrison led this Company through a period of great growth," CCBCC President and COO Bill Elmore said. "Under his leadership, Coca-Cola Consolidated grew from a small bottler in North Carolina to the second largest Coca-Cola bottler in the nation."

"Mr. Harrison's contributions to Coca-Cola Consolidated were many, including building the Company's strength and planning for its future. Under Chairman and CEO Frank Harrison III's leadership, Coca-Cola Consolidated is now stronger and better positioned than it has ever been," he said.

"Mr. Harrison loved his God, his family and this Company. He served all three with care and dedication," Elmore continued. "All of us at Coca-Cola Consolidated will miss his wisdom and friendship."