J Mark Smith Body Shop

Townsend Chevrolet Company was founded in 1935 by W.B. Townsend, L.O. Townsend and H.L. Townsend Sr. The dealership was located at the present site of Boaz Furniture Company, Parsons, Tennessee, on the east side of Tennessee Avenue South. Townsend Chevrolet Company sold new and used Chevrolet cars and trucks and service. They also sold Allis Chalmers farm equipment from 1938-1956, at which time the franchise was sold to R. Guy Butler at Decaturville, Tennessee. Also, Townsend Chevrolet Company sold home appliances from 1945-1968, at which time H.W. Segraves purchased the appliance business. In 1937 the dealership was moved to its present site at 125 West Main Street, Parsons, Tennessee. At a later date, H.L. Townsend Sr. and L.O. Townsend sold their interests to W.B. Townsend who operated as sole proprietor and dealer operator until March 1, 1955, at which time he sold the dealership and all assets to his nephew, E. Wayne Townsend, who had been employed at the dealership since 1945. Wayne owned and operated the dealership as dealer operator from March 1, 1955, until 1970, and as co-dealer operator until 1984. Maurice N. Townsend began employment with Townsend Chevrolet Company in 1955 and became a partner and co-dealer operator in 1970. Also, Wayne 's son, Larry E. Townsend, became a partner in 1970. Thomas H. Leitch, Wayne 's son-in-law, began employment in 1973 with Townsend Chevrolet Company and later joined the company as part owner. In 1987 Larry Townsend sold his interest to Thomas H. Leitch, but he continues to work for the company in various capacities. Townsend Chevrolet bought the assets of Moore & Metcalf in Lexington, Tennessee, in 1987, and they acquired the Buick and Pontiac franchises of General Motors and moved these to Parsons, Tennessee.