Jim Gentry

KIMBALL, Tenn. — When Henry Eldredge began working at Gentry Chevrolet, the dealership was still located in downtown South Pittsburg.

He washed, greased and transported cars and did just about everything else that needed to be done.

Now, more than 30 years later, Mr. Eldredge pushes a broom to keep the service area clean at the dealership which relocated near Interstate 24.

He turns 91 on Friday.

Staff Photo by Kelly Wegel -- Henry Eldredge has worked at Gentry Chevrolet in Kimball, Tenn., for more than 30 years and will turn 91 Friday.

“I think about retiring and leaving here from time to time. I just haven’t done it yet,” he said. “I’ve just about gotten too old to work.”

But Jim Gentry, owner of Gentry Chevrolet Pontiac Buick, said that isn’t true. He joked that he won’t let Mr. Eldredge leave.

“Henry is truly one of the finest men I have ever known,” Mr. Gentry said. “He is a loyal American and a good Christian. He’s a man of high integrity and morals.”

Gentry Chevrolet employees will honor Mr. Eldredge with a party today to celebrate his birthday.

Allen Kirk, a sales associate at the dealership, said Mr. Eldredge is quick with a joke and almost always in good spirits.

“I hope I’m in half his shape when I’m his age,” Mr. Kirk said. “He’s a special fellow.”

Mr. Eldredge worked for L&N Railroad when he was a teenager, laying track and driving stakes in railroad ties. He was employed at L&N for 40 years, some of which he also worked for Mr. Gentry. After retiring from the railroad, he worked for Mr. Gentry full time.

Now he works from 7 a.m. until noon, keeping the floors clean and doing just about anything else he’s asked to do.

“If he wants to take a nap, that’s fine,” Mr. Gentry said. “Nobody tells him what to do. He knows his job and he does it. If he gets tired, he knows he is supposed to take a break.”

Mr. Eldredge doesn’t look his age, and he moves and speaks like a man not far beyond his prime.

He admitted he was a pretty good nail-driver when he worked for the railroad, but Mr. Gentry said he is still strong enough to swing a sledge hammer.

“Even today, at 91, he’s got an arm like a bull,” Mr. Gentry said.

But Marie Smith, an administrative assistant at Gentry Chevrolet, said it is Mr. Eldredge’s attitude and his smiling face that affect so many people.

“Henry Eldredge is a fine gentleman and an inspiration to all of us,” she said.

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