Michael Noble, joint chairman of the Noble organisation, passed away on Wednesday after a brave battle.
The 54-year-old, originally from Cleadon, was joint-chairman of the Noble Organisation, which has grown into one of the biggest firms in the UK.
Michael, who lived with wife Gill, in Gosforth, Newcastle, ran the firm with brother Philip and established amusement arcades in almost every major town in the north of England.
Their interests also include casinos, an arcade at Brighton Pier, and the massive Point nightclub in Sunderland city centre.
Hundreds of friends and colleagues are expected to attend his funeral, which is being held at St Michael's Church in South Shields at 2pm on Tuesday.
The funeral will be followed by a service at South Shields Crematorium, where mourners are also welcome.
Donations in his memory are asked to go to the Alan J Lerner Fund for Lung Cancer Research, c/o 1A Dukesway Court, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0PJ.