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Veteran local car dealer recalled for his big heart
Bill Noble, noted area car dealership owner, has diedDate published: 4/8/2008 BY CATHY JETT William K. "Bill" Noble, whose Noble Cars dealership was a Falmouth landmark for nearly 40 years, died Sunday at his Spotsylvania County home after a brief illness. "He was a very intelligent, well-liked businessman, and a wonderful contributor to the community," said Burt Shand, former vice president of Noble Auto Group. "A little guy with a big heart, which not many people realized. His death is a great loss." Noble, 72, not only inspired loyalty in his staff, many of whom worked for him for years, said Shand, but was a regular contributor to the University of Mary Washington, the UMW-Community Symphony Orchestra and the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. He also donated to Calvary Christian Church in Fredericksburg and the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif.; and gave jobs at his home to people who were down on their luck, said Ben Whitaker, his caretaker for the last 10 years. "He was always happy and joking and laughing and outdoorsy," Whitaker said. "Until he reached 70, everybody had to race to keep up with him." Noble also enjoyed history and traveled the world with Charles H. Carter, a longtime friend who died last year. The son of John W. and Verta K. Noble, Noble attended the Choate School in Wallingford, Conn., and Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He began his career as a sales agent for American Airlines in 1958, then became the used-car manager for his father's Noble Ford in Easton, Md., three years later. He went to work for Massey Ford Inc. of Fredericksburg as sales manager in 1965, then bought a vacant gas station at U.S. 1 and Butler Road for $28,000 as the site of his own dealership two years later. Noble initially sold Saabs with the help of a lot boy, and offered customers a trip to Europe if they bought one of the Swedish cars. He soon became a Mercedes-Benz service dealer as well, and business had picked up so much by 1969 that he employed a sales staff of five plus the lot boy and two mechanics, according to an article in The Free Lance-Star. Noble moved his business from Falmouth to roomier quarters at Noble Auto Park on Fall Hill Avenue in 2006, then sold the Mercedes-Benz and Volvo dealerships as well as the Falmouth site to Central Virginia Eurocars LLC in December. Noble is survived by a brother and two sisters. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. There is an online guest book at covenantfuneralservice .com. Cathy Jett: 540/374-5407
Date published: 4/8/2008
miss you old fart
(posted by
dcsubburb
, Apr. 9, 2008 7:29 am)
after knowing bill for about 20 years i can say that i will truly miss that old fart and and his good and bad...
blowin, this is not the place for that debate
(posted by
Justice1
, Apr. 8, 2008 1:31 pm)
however, maybe some other place will allow us to issue will allow us to discuss it. Thanks for your respect to not get into it here.
I will miss Bill
(posted by
patrick4hp
, Apr. 8, 2008 12:50 pm)
He was a friend of mine. As far as Victory motorcycle is concerned, he sold that business and the new owners did not want to operate it, it's that simple. But , even in death, flamers still flame on the internet, sad. Bill's soul is at rest, rest in peace my friend.
Justice1
(posted by
blowinsmoke
, Apr. 8, 2008 11:31 am)
My condolences to the family for their lose. Your facts are not correct though.
Please show so RESPECT!!!!
(posted by
BenW
, Apr. 8, 2008 9:45 am)
Please everyone, save this site for the family and friends who really care for Bill. Life is a long journey of good fortunes and mistakes. We all make them, some more than others. So please show a little kindness, class and be respectful for all the good that he has done. If you can't, then please keep it to yourself for now. Neither Bill or his loved one deserve, need or want to hear them. Thanks
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