After six decades in business, Mills Auto Sales on North Green Street has permanently closed.
Owner Mike Kemp made the announcement in a Facebook post late Friday night.
“For three generations, we have watched families grow, sold dependable cars to many generations and made sure we always provided everyone with the absolute best service we could,” Kemp posted.
“Thank you for 60 years of support, loyalty and friendship,” he stated.
The business opened at 901 N. Green St. in 1965 by Clarence V. “Sprig” Mills and his son, Tommy Kemp, according to a feature in The Gleaner in 2015 when Mills Auto was celebrating its 50th anniversary. Tommy’s son Mike Kemp joined the business some years later to become the third generation of family members in the business.
They said they built their business by avoiding hard-sell tactics, striving for a good reputation and relying on repeat customers. In 2015, Mike Kemp said he knew of one family at the time that owned eight cars purchased from Mills Auto.
Friends and customers posted supportive messages, including wishing Kemp well in retirement.
“It’s was always a pleasure doing business with you,” David Garber posted.
“Thx for the many high quality cars that I got,” Troy Thomas wrote.