Patriot Ford closes doors on Monday in Whiteville

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — One car dealership abruptly closed its doors leaving several employees without jobs. 

Monday at Patriot Ford in Whiteville, a sign was posted on the door reading “closed,” after serving Columbus and surrounding counties for several decades.  

Whiteville’s Mayor, Terry Mann, said it’s an unfortunate sight for a small city like Whiteville — and for the countless customers who purchased or had their cars serviced at the dealership. 

“For a long time they’ve had a sign on the backside of their property with plans of building a new modernized show room,” Mann said. “But ya know, I guess at this point, it’s a good thing they didn’t invest that money. I don’t know if it’s financial, if it’s family matters, I really don’t know.” 

WWAY reached out to Patriot Ford for comment on Tuesday, we haven’t received a response yet.  

Mann said Whiteville is now down to two car dealerships, Vann Underwood Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Town and Country Chevrolet GMC.