TYLER, Texas — Bill R. Day, founder of northeast Texas tire dealership chain Bill Day Tire Centers, died Jan. 21 at age 84.
Mr. Day founded Bill Day Tire Centers in 1971. He opened an AAMCO transmission franchise in Tyler, then began to sell tires. The business eventually grew to four locations, in Tyler, Longview and Jacksonville, Texas.
Mr. Day remained active in the family business until his death.
According to his obituary, Mr. Day was one of the first dealers in the U.S. to advertise tires on television. Members of Mr. Day's family continue to operate the tire dealership, according to information on the firm's website.
He also owned race cars and supplied parts to the auto racing industry. He opened Day Motorsports, a catalog company that supplied racing equipment globally. The company is under different ownership today.
Mr. Day served in both the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Reserve.
He is survived by his wife, Martha, and daughters Janet Day Sheffield and Cindy Day. A third daughter, Anita Day, preceded him in death.
The family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, the Salvation Army of Tyler, Marvin United Methodist Church Missions or some other charity.