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Ray Smith Chevrolet-Buick changes name, ownership

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Change is hard…it is never very easy. Change is even harder when it is something hard to let go of. As is the case with the 58-year legacy of Ray Smith Chevrolet-Buick.

Ray Smith started his career in the automobile industry in 1954 when he was hired at Pug Vicker’s Buick of Huntingdon. Vicker’s bought out Joe Wright Buick in Camden and changed the name to Lake Motors. Ray made the move.

In 1959, Ray went to work for Orr Pontiac-Rambler for just a few months before opening up Ray Smith Motors in December of the same year. He also turned that lot near the hospital into an international truck dealership. The rest, they say is history.

In 1972, Ray built the new facility at 260 W. Main St., where it remains today. Although, the name had a few additions over the years (in the 1990’s Pontiac and Buick were added to the line), the loyalty and commitment to the customers of Benton and surrounding counties has always remained the same.

Through the years, Ray embedded a love of the business into his son, Brent and then into his grandson, Jeff. When Ray decided to leave the daily operations, he turned them over to Brent. Brent discussed the decision to retire and sell the family business in an interview on Monday.

Brent said he never knew anything but the car business. “I was 11-years-old when I started washing cars, dusting off parts and eventually servicing cars,” he began. “I sold my first vehicle to Scrap Williams who owned Western Auto on the court square. That was 1966 and I was 16-years-old.”

Brent remained in sales and worked weekends through college. In 1972, Brent became the General Manager. Brent’s love for the family business was matched only by his son, Jeff, whom he hoped to eventually turn over the reins to.

Jeff joined the team in the 1990’s, just after completing five years in college. Afterwards, Jeff went the National Automobile Academy in Virginia. He then returned home to manage the business.

Brent said those are without a doubt his fondest memories…those days that he worked alongside his dad and son. “We had three generations right here, those were incredible days,” Brent recalled. “Those memories echo throughout these halls.”

It is true. There is something palpable in regard to the family atmosphere and memories that meander in-and-out of the offices in the dealership. There is a feeling that more than business happened within the walls. Brent confirmed when he recollected jovial banter between he, his dad, Ray and son Jeff, saying, “Dad and Jeff always ganged up on me. They were so much alike.” There is a distinct sadness in his voice, not only because of the bitter-sweet moment before him, perhaps mostly because Jeff was never able to take the helm. Heartbreakingly, Jeff passed away, leaving a legacy of his own.

His office connected to Brent’s, is still referred to as Jeff’s office.

Through triumphs and trials, Ray Smith Chevrolet has been a staple in the center of Camden. Benton County has supported the business with the same loyalty that has been bestowed on the community by the Smith family.

Brent said as retirement grew nearer, he knew what had to be done. He explained, “I wanted to spend more time with that was important to me…my wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones. It was time.”

Three years ago, Brent contacted a broker to start the search for a new owner. He said that he knew immediately that it would be a difficult task because he was going to be meticulous on who would be the perfect candidate. Brent soon learned that he needed a different route when he wasn’t finding exactly what he was looking for. Last year, he reached out to his close friend in the banking business. Brent said after explaining his dilemma, the friend offered help in the process. A few weeks later, Todd Rea and Brian Redmond were on the radar.

According to Brent, both the Rea and Redmond had years of experience in the business and would open the umbrella to 23 connected stores and their inventory while still keeping the “hometown” feel that Ray Smith’s customers were accustomed to.

On April 17, Ray and Brent said goodbye to the dealership where generations of the Smith family have grown up and worked. Brent said while his dad at 90-years-old has no plans to slow down, he is going to enjoy catching up on his golf game. From time to time, Brent will most likely find himself inadvertently heading to the dealership that bears a new name now, Camden Chevrolet-Buick. In that moment, he will smile, remember the memories, and drive what one would assume is a Chevrolet right on past the car lot and towards the golf course.

Thank you for the memories, Ray Smith Chevrolet and welcome to the pages of the history books of Benton County.