By Jim Lisk, Editor
Thursday, September 4, 2008 — A proud 82-year family tradition of excellence for Albemarle and Stanly County came to an official end Friday as Morgan Motor Company closed its doors.
“I am truly grateful for all of you that have worked with Morgan Motor Company over these 82 years,” said Terry Morgan, president of the company.
“My brothers and I would like to thank everyone for all the support that has been given to us from the community.”
In a Wednesday morning interview, Terry and Craig Morgan verified the Friday closure and explained their phase out situation.
There are a total of 15 new and used cars parked in front of the dealership that are for sale at marked down prices. Sales of these vehicles are expected to last through the end of the month.
The service shop, body shop and parts department are all closed while the car wash will continue to operate.
For parts and warranty service, former Chrysler customers are asked to take their vehicles to Tim Marburger Chrysler in Concord or Gerry Wood Auto Center in Salisbury.
On Wednesday, the Morgan Brothers issued the following statement:
“For more than 82 years, Morgan Motor Company has been privileged to serve Stanly County and the surrounding area.
“Four generations in our family have worked together with several hundred employees. We have worked side by side, day by day, and many times we had to work after hours. We have shared some of the best years of our lives together.
“Our employees were the hardest workers and the best workers we could have had. They made Morgan Motor Company the strong business we all enjoyed for so many years.
“Friday was one of the saddest days of our lives when we had to close our doors. We are thankful for all the people from Albemarle and Stanly County for letting us be your car dealer for so many years.
“A special thanks goes out to some people for all their help — to Leslie Kinley, who has been by our side since she graduated from Western Carolina University; to Mack Morgan for all his help over the past seven and a half months; to Miller Morgan for his help in running the sales department when we were shorthanded; and to Brenda Furr for her many years of service as office manager.
“We’d also like to personally thank Bill Lawhon at Bank of Stanly, Dick Clayton at First Bank and Mandi Rogers at Wachovia. We are most grateful to Charles Brown for directing us through this difficult time and to Cindy Beane and her staff, especially Debby Benton, for helping us with the accounting part of our business.”
