After 50 years in business, 92-year-old Drumwright turned the keys of Western Auto over to new owner

JACKSON, TENN (WNBJ)-

Georgia Drumwright and her late husband purchased the Jackson Western Auto in 1973- both her family and the store have experienced ups and downs over the last fifty years.

Ms. Drumwright says western auto was destroyed twice by tornadoes, but they've always been able to overcome.

“God has been so good to us and I couldn't ask for more. He looks like he's ahead of me. Every time I think of something, he's already done it," Georgia Drumwright said.

Georgia's husband passed away in 2014 but she continued to run the store. Then things changed when a certain customer recently asked her a question.

“I came in and bought a lawnmower and I told Georgia, I said, why don't you sell me this place? And she said, well, I might. This was on a Saturday afternoon, and the next day I got a phone call from her," said Bruce Lovett.

After 50 years, Ms. Drumwright finally decided it was time to retire. She’s turning the keys over to a new owner and he’s a familiar face.

“I've known Miss Georgia drum right since I was about ten years old,” Bruce Lovett said.

When Bruce Lovett asked ms. Drumwright to sell him and hs wife Kim Western Auto, she took it as a sign, “I have a virus in my right eye and I had broken my hip in 2014, and it started acting back up. And I thought this is your chance to get out of here.”

At 92 years old Georgia was still working in the story until last month, “I'm a what you call a workaholic. I guess," she said.

Bruce Lovett added, “And she would be here today if I hadn't taken her parking place.”

Although the Lovett's are taking over, they are honoring the legacy of the Drumwrigth's

“There's a lot of children over the last 50 years probably wouldn't have Christmas if it hadn't been for the Drumwrights. Or if you were short and you needed a refrigerator, the Drumwrights would help you out," Bruce said.

The Lovett’s are hosting a celebration on April 12th from 11-3 to celebrate Ms. Drumwright’s 50 years of business at Western Auto.

“We would really like to make this all about her because that is a very special milestone that she has surpassed it being in business for 50 years," said Kim Lovett.

A retail legacy that the Lovetts only hope they can continue for years to come.