White’s Service Center in Urbana has completed a deal to transfer ownership of the long-held family automotive business to new owners.

“With great excitement, we share the news that White’s Service Center (is under new ownership) as of Aug 1, 2024,” White’s released in a press statement on behalf of Jeff and Jim Bob White. “After 75-plus years of being family-owned and operated, the time has come to welcome a new era of car sales and service. The new owners will keep the White’s name, and we have complete faith that they will provide the excellent customer care you’ve come to expect here in Urbana. The new ownership also applies to the Quicklane in Springfield. While ownership is changing hands, our loyal employees will remain on board.”

According to the press statement, the origins of White’s business date back to 1948, when the most recent family owners’ father, Noel White, opened a Kaiser-Frazer dealership on North Main Street. His brother-in-law, Jim Donahue, joined him in 1954 after his time in the Army. Together, they grew from 4 employees and saw the transition to International Harvester and then to the Ford brand in 1982.

“One of our fondest memories from that time is taking a cow as trade for our first Ford sale,” according to the press statement. Things have been just as exciting and unexpected since. We took over the day-to-day operations in 1970 and 1972, respectively, continuing to build on the same family-owned values our dad worked hard to create.

“We’ve seen many changes over the years. As the automotive industry evolved, we adapted by bringing on the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram brand for a time and having 3rd generation family members join us, including Peter White, Natalie Stimmel, and Lance White,” the statement continued. “Over the years, we’ve grown to 36 employees, opened the Springfield Quicklane, and navigated global changes in 2020. Through it all, we believe White’s has maintained its reputation as an Urbana institution. Participating in community fundraisers has always been high on our priority list. From hosting car shows to sponsoring school and hospital fundraisers, we take pride in our Urbana roots. Supporting local animal shelters has always been a cause near and dear to us. Since Noel’s favorite dogs, Donut and Bogey, there has always been a dog wandering the showroom, happy to greet customers.”

The White brothers still plan to be fixtures in the local business.

“While we look forward to some time off, rest assured that we still plan to be active participants in daily Urbana life. We ask that you warmly welcome the new owners and continue supporting this independently-owned local business.”