Legacy Business In Coats Closing Friday

By Robert Jordan
Daily Record of Dunn

COATS – For almost 60 years, the Stewart family has owned and operated what is now Stewart’s Tire Service in Coats, but that will come to an end on Friday.

Ronnie Stewart, the present owner, is now 71 and says, “I’m ready to hang it up and enjoy the years I have left.”

Stewart’s Tire began as a tire recapping business in Erwin near the current Carlie C’s IGA in 1967. Ronnie Stewart’s father, Leroy Stewart, started the business and eventually moved it to its current location on South McKinley Street in Coats in 1975.

Ronnie Stewart went to college and earned a degree in education. He was a teacher at Triton High School when, in 1987, his dad decided to retire.

“I took over the business in 1987 and I’ve been at it ever since,” said Stewart.

“I’m proud of the fact that our customers and friends have voted us the Number 1 tire store in the Best of Harnett County for four out of the past six years,” Stewart shared. (Stewart’s Tire Service came in second place for best tire store in 2024 and 2023.) “That sort of customer loyalty has meant the world to me.”

The family business has expanded over the years to include a mini-storage facility and several area automatic car washes.

The car washes were taken over and are now operated by another proprietor.

Stewart’s retirement plans include continuing to operate the storage business until the property sells.

He listed the entire operation with a realtor and told the Record that people have expressed interest in purchasing the property.

“Coats is a growing town and I think that this would make an excellent business venture for the right buyer,” said Stewart.

The doors of the 59-year-old tire service will close to customers on Friday.