Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar dies

DALLAS, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Longtime U.S. motivational speaker Zig Ziglar died Wednesday after succumbing to pneumonia, his Facebook page stated. He was 86.

Ziglar's social networking website page called him "the undisputed King of Motivation, Inspiration and Education," and said he had been described as "one of America's icons," a "salesman's salesman" and "a legacy that will forever impact our history."

Ziglar, who lived in the Dallas area, wrote numerous sales and motivational books, and was known to rub elbows with presidents and other world leaders, generals, business executives, and sports and entertainment celebrities.

The Indiana native also served in the Navy during World War II.