Charles Geiss

Chuck Geiss

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Chuck Geiss, the longtime owner and publisher of the Birmingham alt-weekly Black & White, has died.

Geiss died at his home in Gulf Shores, according to multiple sources. Details regarding the circumstances of his death were not immediately available, but long-time colleague Kerry Echols said Geiss had been dealing with health problems over the past several months and was found dead by police after friends and family became concerned that he had been out of touch.

A longtime fixture on Birmingham's media scene, Geiss ran Black & White from 1992 until it ceased publication early this year, a victim of the contraction of the print news industry nationwide in the face of advancing digital alternatives.

Geiss also was well known in Birmingham for charitable and volunteer work. He was among the first backers of Do Dah Day, an annual music festival and parade that benefits animal charities.

Echols, who worked for Geiss for 21 years, said he was unique among business owners in that he was almost universally liked.

"He tended to become friends with anyone he worked with. He had no ego," Echols said. "And in 21 years I never heard him raise his voice or lose his temper. Except once when he was dealing with the phone company over a bill."

Geiss was a 1981 graduate of the University of Alabama, with a degree in communications. Friends said he had a wicked sense of humor, as evidenced by the self-written biography on his LinkedIn page.

Of his time at UA he wrote, "Hung out at the DDD house, planned daily wardrobes."

Geiss, who had hoped to develop a new business model and re-launch Black & White, was a dedicated professional who earned the loyalty of his staff, Echols said.

"It was always an adventure," Echols said.

Geiss is survived by two children. Visitation will be held Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville. The funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m.