Submitted PhotoMarshall "Marsh" Butler, Jr., Marshall Butler, Sr. and Morris Butler with the commemorative plaque they were awarded by Southeast Toyota for ten years of business. 

VALDOSTA — Valdosta Toyota celebrated 10 years working with the Butler Automotive Group and almost 50 years with Southeast Toyota Oct. 25.

The Butler family, Marshall Butler, Sr. and his sons Marshall Jr. and Morris, took over ownership of Valdosta Toyota Oct. 8, 2007, according to a prepared statement.

During the celebration of the milestone, President of Southeast Toyota Ed Sheehy presented Butler Sr. with a commemorative plaque and crystal award.

“One of the great things about being in the car business is you get to meet terrific people; the Butler family is incredible, and Ricky [Stokes, general manager], thank you for your leadership,” Sheehy said in the statement. “And, having a multiple-year relationship, 10 years here with the Butlers but 50 years with Southeast Toyota coming up in 2020, is an unbelievable milestone.” 

Stokes has been with Valdosta Toyota since the Butler Automotive group took ownership of the dealership, according to the release.

“When you combine the past 10 years of Butler Automotive Group’s leadership with the near 50-year relationship that this dealership has established with Southeast Toyota, the growth and impact in the community is something in which we can all be very proud,” Stokes said. 

Butler, Sr. recognized the local staff at Valdosta Toyota and thanked them for the work and effort they have put into the business.

“We are blessed by doing business with Southeast Toyota,” Butler, Sr. said in a release. “It’s a great relationship like none other within the industry. But, [all of this is] because all of you folks [at Valdosta Toyota], your leadership, Ricky [Stokes]’s leadership, Marshall and Morris [Butler], and everyone here that does heavy lifting.” 

The Butler Automotive Group is a family owned business and services Macon, Warner Robins, Columbus, Milledgeville and South Atlanta in Georgia and Beaufort in South Carolina, according to butlerscars.com. The group owns 12 dealerships and sells more than 10 different vehicle brands.

Valdosta Toyota is located on exit 18 off I-75. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.