XENIA — Long-time Xenia car dealer Terry Tobey died July 24 after an illness.

Tobey opened Key Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram on US Route 68 North in 1976 and became a fixture in the Xenia area. He was always visible in the community, especially supporting animal sales at the Greene County Fair.

“I spent many a Friday night of fair week sitting in the sale arena buying lambs with Terry,” County Engineer Bob Geyer said. “He was a huge supporter of the lamb sale year in and year out. Terry was a generous man.”

Key Chrysler is still the only new car dealer in Xenia, and Geyer made a habit of patronizing Tobey for personal and county use.

“All of the other auto dealers left Xenia after the 1974 tornado and moved to Beavercreek, but Terry saw fit to remain here and service the citizens of Xenia,” Geyer said. “The community has lost a great business leader.”

Sheriff Gene Fischer first met Tobey when he was young Xenia police officer. One particular interaction was emblematic of how Tobey treated the community.

“As a Xenia cop I was driving around checking Key Chrysler,” Fischer said. “One night he was out in the snow grilling steaks (for a holiday party). He invited me to get out of the car and eat with him.”

Fischer said Tobey always treated his employees well. But his kindness wasn’t limited to them.

“He was an ambassador for the county,” Fischer said. “He was very personable. He just did all kinds of things. I’ve known him a long time. Over the years developed a friendship.”

Services are pending with Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek.