Gentry Chevrolet - Pontiac - Buick History
Abb Hembree Gentry, while working for NC & St. L Railway, was on his way home on Long Island Road when he hit a chug hole and broke an axle. He was towed in to Farmer's Chevrolet, where Mr. Farmer persuaded Abb to buy a new Chevrolet. Mr. Farmer did not have it in stock so he gave Abb a vehicle to drive until his came in. Mr. Farmer told him if he could sell the vehicle he would take $50 for it. Abb Gentry sold the vehicle on the Ferry ride home the same day! Abb sold two more vehicles before his new Chevrolet ever came in. Mr. Farner recognized Abb's selling abilities and offered him a job. Abb began selling cars during the day and worked for the railroad during the night. Upon being laid off from the railroad, Abb borrowed $500 and began his own Used Car business.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, Mr. Farmer only sold 7 new vehicles. He was forced out of business. In 1932 Abb joined with Mr. J.B. Young, each putting up $1500, they were awarded a Chevrolet Franchise. They named it Gentry - Young Chevrolet. Later that same year, the railroad called Mr. Gentry back to work. He then went to Mr. Young and made him a buy or sell offer. Mr. Young decided he wanted to go back to selling mules, so he sold his half of the business to Mr. Gentry. The dealership then became Gentry Chevrolet.
In 1941, Gentry took on a partner, Lyda Miller, who had started as an auto mechanic for him. Mr. Miller and Mr. Gentry retained a 50/50 partnership until 1971, at which time Mr. Miller passed away. Upon his death, Jim Gentry, Abb's son purchased Mr. Miller's interest in the business from his estate. Jim and his father, Abb, remained 50/50 partners until 1979 when Abb passed away. At that time Jim inherited his father's half of the business. The business continued on at 207 Cedar Avenue until 1985. At that time Gentry Chevrolet relocated to the Kimball Junction, and until this day remains at 305 Battlecreek Road.
in 1988, Jim was awarded the Buick Franchise, and in 1990 he was awarded the Pontiac Franchise. The name now being Gentry Chevrolet - Pontiac - Buick, Inc.
Since the beginning of Gentry Chevrolet, we have sold over 100,000 automobiles. Our annual sales are around $32 million, making this the second largest collector of sales tax in Marion County, second only to WalMart Superstore.
In a ceremony in San Diego, CA, Gentry-Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick, Inc. was named the number two service department in the United States by the Pontiac Division.
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