APRIL 30, 2009 ISSUE
Clyde Jones Decides Not To Re-Open Auto Parts Store
Local Parishioners Honor Long-Time Business Owner
Last Sunday, April 26, parishioners at Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church in Meat Camp honored Clyde Jones and his family during mass with a plaque recognizing his 55 years of leadership, service and employment opportunities he has given to the local community. Clyde’s business, Clyde Jones Auto Parts, is closing after more than a half-century because its original location is a casualty of the Highway 421 widening project. Photo by Matthew Lawley
On March 20, after cataloging and liquidating more than 300,000 auto parts, Clyde Jones turned off the lights at his long-standing store, locked the door and said goodbye to a structure that housed so many of his precious memories from the last 55 years. Clyde’s sad story is one of many, as his business is one of the casualties of the Highway 421 widening project that began last year with right-of-way acquisitions—one of which was Clyde’s building, which will be demolished in the coming weeks.
Last Sunday, April 26, parishioners at Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church honored Clyde and his family during mass with a plaque recognizing his 55 years of leadership, service and employment opportunities he has given to the local community. Clyde and his family received a standing ovation and were joined by more than two dozen former employees of Clyde Jones Auto Parts who shared personal stories and memories from the business.
“It was a real surprise to Clyde; he was really humbled,” said Jim Bryan, friend of Clyde and fellow parishioner. “It was well deserved—Clyde’s been a rock in this community for many years.”
Started in 1953, Clyde Jones Auto Parts is the second-longest continually running business along the stretch of 421 that will be widened this year. Only Trailways Cleaners—another family run establishment with numbered days before bulldozers claim its spot along Highway 421—has been open longer.
Clyde Jones and his family received a standing ovation and were joined by more than two dozen former employees of Clyde Jones Auto Parts who shared personal stories and memories from the business.
In April 2008, High Country Press produced a story on Clyde, his business and his plans to relocate after being displaced by the widening project. Clyde, who turned over day-to-day operations to his son Jerry Jones a few years ago, recently decided not to relocate and to close his business after more than a half-century in operation.
“I told them I was taking early retirement at 84,” laughed Clyde.
Part of Clyde’s decision to close was based on family members who wanted to get out of the retail auto parts business and explore other options. Jones decided to go into wholesale auto parts sales; Tommy Phelps, Clyde’s son-in-law, got offered a job with Napa; and Clyde’s daughter Pattie is taking the opportunity to spend more time with her children, one of which is getting married in August. According to Clyde, he’ll miss them the most.
“What I think I’ll miss most of all is coming into work and being around family everyday,” said Clyde.
Clyde said he does not know when NCDOT will demolish his building, but as of now it sits empty and Clyde is spending his days at home with his wife Nancy.
“I got a lot of honey-do jobs to take care of, but I’m enjoying being home with Ma,” said Clyde.
“I want to thank all of my employees and all the customers we had throughout the years,” added Clyde, “but I thank the Lord most of all for having all of those years together.”
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