Business founder Melba Wood and son, Barry Wood, at Wood Ford Sales, Inc.this week. Barry Wood is the general manager and dealer of the business. (Democrat photo/Ruth Ann Estes)

When the late Joe Wood and his wife, Melba, moved to Trumann to open a new auto dealership, they didn't know a soul in town.

"When we came to Trumann, we did not know anyone here," Melba Wood said. "But on opening day, people came and welcomed us to town and told us they were glad we were here. They made us feel right at home."

And Trumann has been home to Wood Ford Sales, Inc. ever since. The business has been a fixture in Trumann on Highway 463 and this month celebrates its 50th year of business in the city.

Joe and Melba Wood opened the business in Trumann on Oct. 10, 1958. There had been a Ford dealership in Trumann, but it had been closed for about six months when the Wood family came to Trumann.

"Terrell Ford had closed its business," Mrs. Wood said. "We opened a new dealership in the Terrell Ford location."

With a small inventory of vehicles and a staff of 12, Wood Ford opened its doors for business. Native Mississippians, Joe and Melba Wood and son, Barry, came to Trumann from Earle where Joe had managed a Ford dealership and Melba ran the dealership's business office.

Joe and Melba quickly became active in Trumann. They joined the First Baptist Church in Trumann where Melba still attends. They joined with others to make Trumann a better place to live.

A skilled salesman with an outgoing personality, Joe Wood was a friend to his customers and a friend to Trumann. He made sure his customers were satisfied with their vehicles and service offered at the dealership. He was active in Trumann civic affairs and concerned with issues affecting the city.

He served as president of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce and on the chamber's Industrial Development Committee.

Joe Wood became ill in 1986, but he continued to work for several years. Barry Wood eventually became general manager of the dealership. Joe Wood died in 1995.

Local people, as well as customers from the entire Northeast Arkansas area, have made Wood Ford a success. Most residents in Trumann have most likely shopped for a vehicle at Wood Ford Sales at one time or another. Many local car buyers won't buy a car or truck from anyone else. Customers appreciate the service they receive at the dealership.

Wood Ford is an award winning dealership winning many Distinguished Achievement Awards from Ford Motor Company. The dealership has also won Top 20 Awards from Ford for many years.

"Our dealings with Ford Motor Company have always been wonderful," Melba Wood said. "They have sent us on many red-carpet trips and many Ford people have become personal friends."

The couple traveled extensively, courtesy of Ford incentives. Trips to Switzerland, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, Canada and Mexico were among destinations visited by the couple.

Today, as the business celebrates its 50th anniversary, the dealership has 20 employees. Many of the employees have been employed by Wood Ford for over 30 years. Over 80 percent of the employees call Trumann home.

The dealership was remodeled in the 1960's when a showroom and offices were added to the building.

The dealership has sold over 50,000 vehicles since it opened and exceeds industry standards in sales by almost a 2:1 ratio. Industry standards for a dealership in a community the size of Trumann would be 30 to 40 vehicles per month, but Wood Ford averages 77 vehicles per month.

Wood Ford is a full service master technician certified dealership. The business also offers a full service body shop.

A lot of things may have changed at Wood Ford over the years but the business is still a family business. Barry Wood runs the day to day operations of the dealership today, and his mother, Melba, still comes in to the office most days. Barry's wife, Susie, also works in the office.

An avid sportsman, Barry, is a member of the National Board of Duck's Unlimited for the United States and Canada and the National Wildlife Federation's Board of Directors. He also sits on the board of directors for the Bank of Trumann and on the Ford Dealers Advertisers Board.

"Trumann is home," Melba Wood said. "For fifty years, it has been that way."

She credits friends and customers for the longevity of the business.

"Our business has grown because our customers keep coming back, "she said.

"Our time in Trumann has been fun and a great challenge," Melba Wood said. "It has been a long ride -- always in a Ford."