Bay Springs, Miss. – This October, Harris Hankins Motors proudly marked a century of service to the Bay Springs community. Founded in 1926 by Rolfe Hankins, the dealership has remained a family‑run institution, now led by his grandson, Harris Hankins.
Generations of loyal customers
Long‑time patrons gathered to celebrate the milestone, sharing stories of the dealership’s reliability and personal touch. “I have bought from this company for about 50 years, and I have bought about four vehicles from them,” said Lucille Blakeney. “They have great service here. I recommend this company to anybody that would like to come out and buy a car from them.”
Another longtime customer, Claude Dowden, recalled the deep ties between his family and the Hankins. “Since 1972, my family has bought I think 22 cars from Harris. I have a lot of good memories with Harris. I had a parts store for a while, and we would go and buy equipment and goods together. I just have a really good relationship with the whole Hankins family,” he said.
Celebration and community fellowship
The centennial event featured food, fellowship and $100 raffle prizes, a modest way for the dealership to thank the community that has supported it for a hundred years. Organizers emphasized that the celebration was as much about honoring the bonds forged over decades as it was about looking ahead.
Adapting to a changing industry
Harris Hankins reflected on the dramatic evolution of automotive service. “When I was a kid, the mechanics were under the hood with wrenches working on the car. Nowadays, they sit in the driver’s seat with a laptop,” he explained. “Everything has just totally changed. Innovations and technology are through the roof with all the safety features and cameras.”
Despite the high‑tech shift, Harris remains committed to the straightforward, family‑oriented approach taught by his father. “My dad taught me a straightforward way of business, and because it has worked for 100 years, I see no reason to change,” he said.
Looking forward
Looking ahead, Harris plans to continue serving Bay Springs with a smile. “I’ve sold three generations in my lifetime, and we could not have made it without the repeat business that we’ve acquired over the years,” he noted. The dealership intends to keep adapting to new technologies while preserving the personal service that has defined it for a century.
The centennial celebration underscored the vital role of family‑run businesses in sustaining small‑town economies and fostering lasting community relationships. As Harris Hankins Motors drives into its second hundred years, the Bay Springs community looks forward to many more miles together.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
