PAYNE CHEVROLET CELEBRATES 100 YEARS WITH YEAR-LONG COMMUNITY GIVING INITIATIVE
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) — Payne Chevrolet, one of Robertson County’s longest-standing local businesses, marked a major milestone in January 2026 by celebrating 100 years of service with a year-long commitment to giving back to the community that has supported it for a century.
In recognition of its centennial anniversary, the dealership has announced that it will partner with one local charity or organization each month throughout 2026, providing support through monetary donations, collection drives, volunteer time, and even blood donations in some cases.
According to materials provided by Payne Chevrolet, January’s partner was CASA Robertson County, with the dealership donating money to support foster care services in the county.
A full monthly schedule outlines the dealership’s planned partnerships for the remainder of the year:
This month, Payne Chevrolet is collecting 39-gallon trash bags, cleaning supplies, coffee, forks, spoons, and sugar for My Father’s House.
March will focus on Open Door Pregnancy Center, with donations of diapers, wipes, lotions, and unscented detergent being accepted.
In April, the dealership will support United Ministries Food Bank by collecting food and non-perishable items.
May’s effort will benefit the Patty Dunn Memorial Program, with a food collection for kids in need over the weekend.
June will feature a “Stuff the Bus” drive for school supplies and backpacks.
In July, an American Red Cross blood donation truck is scheduled to be on site at Payne Chevrolet on July 10, 2026.
August will highlight support for YMCA Youth Soccer.
September’s partnership will be with TWRA, with Payne Chevrolet sponsoring a youth hunting class and collecting hunting supplies for kids.
In October, the dealership will raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, including the sale of pink Payne shirts.
November and December will both focus on Kiwanis 4 Kids, with new toy collections for children in Robertson County.
As part of each monthly partnership, Payne Chevrolet will serve as a collection point for donations at its dealership in Springfield before distributing items to the respective organizations.
Located at 2807 Memorial Boulevard in Springfield, Payne Chevrolet has long been considered a staple business in Robertson County, supporting schools, fundraisers, sporting teams, nonprofits, and a variety of other community organizations over the past 100 years.
The centennial giving initiative reflects the dealership’s ongoing commitment to the county it has served since its founding.
Payne Chevrolet: A Brief Look At Over 100 Years In Robertson County
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Payne Chevrolet has been a staple in Springfield, Tennessee since 1926, enduring the Great Depression and thriving throughout the years in three different locations in Robertson County. Regardless of their location, the care and support they feed back into the community have been the same since their beginning.
“Our first location was established in 1926 in downtown Springfield, TN on Main Street,” said Alex Payne, and great-grandson of Byram Payne, who is the fourth generation of family ownership. “This is where the current playground/parking lot is for Springfield Baptist Church. The lot was a very tiny space, so we were only there for a few years until 1928.”
“Once a little expansion was necessary, our next location was on Locust Street, where the current Robertson County Senior Center is located. The business expanded to two different buildings, one for service and one for sales showroom and office spaces, to increase productivity. Despite the efficiency between the two buildings, the space maxed out around having 30 vehicles available at any time. So as a result of increased business, the need arose yet again for an even bigger area. So in 1969 we built a new building with more lot space and moved into our current and final location at 2807 Memorial Blvd. in Springfield, TN.
“Payne Chevrolet was started by Mr. Byram Payne in January of 1926. With some help from his brother Van, the two managed the business together until Byram eventually bought him out completely. Byram made it a family business and brought in his two sons to help out: Don and Bobby Payne. He was succeeded by his two sons and they managed the dealership for a number of years until Don’s sons took over.
“That marked the third generation of family ownership with Jeff and David Payne at the helm. They were co-owners and dealers since 1977 and 1985, respectively, and continued the family legacy. We are currently in our FOURTH
generation of family ownership, as Alex joined the family business in 2021 when Jeff retired. If you have relatives from Springfield or in the neighboring towns surrounding it, you have heard about the quality care from Payne Chevrolet. We support many local schools and businesses, allowing us to pour money back into the town where we have been located for over a century.”
PHOTOS: Courtesy Payne Chevrolet
