(Click on photos to enlarge)
Murray, Skaggs, Bush (also an East Carter grad), Gumm, Fannin and Conn are often joined by another well known local automotive professional - Marcus' dad, Bill Murray, who opened McFarland Murray Chevrolet along with his wife, Linda, in September, 1995.
With a big grin, he says he enjoys volunteering around the shop when he has a chance, and confirmed he has a professional history with practically everyone there.
"I've worked with all of them except this one and Taylor," he said gesturing toward Skaggs as he approached.
Located at 735 East Main Street, Grayson in the former Bledsoe's Auto Repair space, Murray's AutoWorx is co-owned by Carter County natives Marcus Murray and Shadow Skaggs, who opened the bay doors September 6.
Murray is known to many in the area from his years at local dealerships McFarland-Murray Chevrolet and Pure Country Chevrolet. Skaggs, who owns several local businesses and properties, chuckles when asked about his role in the six-bay garage.
"I just take care of some of the business side of things," Skaggs said, confessing to his own limited mechanical skills. As a new business, he notes he's been tending to lots of details in Murray's AutoWorx initial start up.
The Murray's AutoWorx team relies upon years of local experience.
Roger Gumm is a former Bledsoe's Auto Repair technician, whose skills have earned him a following.
"A lot of people come just because it's Roger," Skaggs said as Gumm tended to a 1967 Camaro last week.
"The 1967 was the only one that ever had a wing glass," Gumm noted, tapping the small triangular window on the driver's side. "You can always spot one coming down the road."
Tyler Conn, a 2014 graduate of East Carter High School, started with McFarland-Murray about six years ago as an automotive detailer and has worked his way up to become the skilled Automotive Technician he is today.
Darrek Fannin, who graduated from ECHS in 2015, started at Pure Country in 2019 after working at a local auto parts store. He began his job at Pure Country as a lube technician and used his garage experience to become a skilled technician as well.
For more information, or to make an appointment for service, maintenance or repairs, call 606.475.0623 or visit the Murray's AutoWorx page on Facebook.
Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post