Smitty's Auto Supply Haskell TX

Smitty’s Auto Supply Receives THC Texas Treasure Business Award

By Susan Turner
Published March 2026

 "In continuous operation for almost 100 years, Smitty’s Auto Supply has received the Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission. Charles Edward Smith was the original owner of Smitty's Auto Supply.  Mr. Smith was known near and far by the nickname of “Smitty”, and that is how Smitty’s Auto Supply got its name. The exact date of opening is undetermined, but a “Smitty’s” advertisement appears in the June 25, 1931, Haskell Free Press. Charles Edward "Smitty" Smith sold the business to David Davis in 1982. Davis sold the business to Floyd Baker in 2002, and Baker sold the business to present owners Paul and Tammy Sorrells in 2014. The Sorrells own the business at the present time. Paul’s family lived in Rule.  Since the 1960s the Sorrells had operated a Texaco gas station in Rule, and they were a longtime customer of Smitty’s.
 Presently located on US 380 just east of the US 277 bypass in Haskell, Smitty's provides auto repair parts and supplies.  They further serve customers through small repair services such as battery installation and wiper blade replacement.  Bearings, hydraulic hose repair, plows and sweeps meet the needs of customers engaged in agriculture production.  
 The staying power of a business requires hard work and innovation.  When Smitty's Auto Supply first opened, they also sold gasoline. A 1934 Haskell Free Press ad indicates a store relocation and mentions tires, batteries and other supplies but interestingly, the Smitty’s Auto Supply advertising lists over the counter drugs such as Bayer aspirin and Syrup Black Draught. Carrying medicine for sale offered alternative products to help overcome travel decline brought about by the Great Depression. The relative simplicity of early automobiles meant a good mechanic could fix most problems, and in the early days Smitty’s provided extensive auto repair. Computerized vehicles and specialized parts meant it was no longer possible to offer major repair service. Computers replaced Smitty’s original card inventory system in 1984. Online sales increased competition, but nothing can compete with heart for community, personal relationships and services that have sustained the business for almost 100 years.  
 At one time, Smitty's was the only auto parts business in Haskell County.  Even under changes of ownership and location, it has been a place where customers felt welcome and comfortable--an “everybody knows your name” place.  Between the owners and employees there are over 100 years of knowledge of the industry. Eugene Gibbs has been a loyal employee since he started work at Smitty's on Pearl Harbor Day in 1972.  He remained in his position through three changes of ownership. (He says he trained the last three owners.) Gibbs retired in 2023 but continues to work part-time.  His depth of knowledge regarding automobiles is extensive, likewise his knowledge of Smitty’s customer base.  He knows just about everyone who walks in the door, the nature of their business and even their voices on the phone. He and Smitty's owners and fellow employees strive to provide personal customer service that is above and beyond.  If they don’t have it in inventory, they reach out to competitors if it means getting the part a customer needs.  
 Haskell and the surrounding customer base is comprised of a rural setting based primarily on agriculture. Most people have known each other for generations, and Smitty's Auto Supply strives to make knowing their customer base a priority. Communities in the area are made up of people who work alongside each other in school, church, service organizations and business interaction. It is close-knit customer base. Smitty's recognizes this and strives to steward those relationships by going the extra mile, keeping on hand what customers need and adjusting inventories as necessary. In the Rolling Plains, neighbors help neighbors. Smitty's understands that what helps their customers ultimately helps the community as a whole.  Original owner Charles Edward Smith even wrote a weekly automobile advice column called “Smitty Sez”.  His sage advice always included the information that Smitty’s sold parts and supplies for less money. He was ahead of the game with early day “constant contact,” staying in touch with customers and neighbors.
 Throughout its history, Smitty’s has realized the value of bringing its community together. At one time there were four car dealerships locally owned and employing dozens of people. Smitty’s worked with this group for years. The firm also worked closely with area schools to keep buses on the road. Smitty's understands its role in supporting its community and has quietly given thousands of dollars to community and school projects, students and local charities. 
 When the US 277 bypass was built, Smitty's relocated to the bypass from a location they had been in since the early 1940s. That building was the very large two-story wooden landmark close to downtown. It had lots of character but was hot in summer and very cold in winter with only a small heat source. One-time owner David Davis did finally put ceiling fans in that building. The new building on the bypass is smaller, much more comfortable and energy efficient but still more than adequate to meet customer needs. Smitty's attributes its success to the owners and employees long being a part of the community and going above and beyond to take care of customers."﻿
To learn more about this award, please visit: https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/publications/hq_ttba_bro_12.pdf﻿

Smitty’s Auto Supply Receives THC Texas Treasure Business Award

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