Bridgeman, who played 12 NBA seasons, died Tuesday at 71. He became an astute businessman, fast-food franchise owner, 10 percent owner of the Bucks, and finally a billionaire.

Bridgeman, known as well for 12 years as a small forward/shooting with the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 71. His death has created a void in both the basketball and the business worlds, where he was widely admired as a self-made success.

Junior Bridgeman, the former NBA player who served on the PGA of America’s board and was part of Valhalla Golf Club’s ownership group, died this week. Bridgeman was 71 and reportedly suffered a medical emergency at the Galt House in Louisville on March 11,