Xenia car dealer remembered as ‘loving, caring person’

Friends and family are grieving after the sudden loss of Terry Tobey, the owner of Key Chrysler car dealerships in Xenia and New Carlisle.

STAY CONNECTED: Greene County News on Facebook

Tobey, who lived in Beavercreek, died Tuesday after suffering a stroke, according to his family. He was 75.

Tobey will be remembered as a “loving, caring person” who gave back to the community and was always willing to help someone in need, said his son, Chris Tobey, who now runs the Tobey Auto Group, which includes the Xenia dealership at 2020 N. Detroit St. and at 580 N. Main St. in New Carlisle.

MORE Work gets underway to replace Bellbrook Ave. bridge

“He always taught us that if you have success in life, it’s important to give back,” Chris Tobey said. “He really cared about people. If anybody was in any kind of trouble, if he could help he did.”

Tobey was active in the Xenia Rotary Club and his presence will be missed this year at the Greene County Fair, where he supported 4-H projects and the animal sales.

His daughter, Alexandra Tobey, said he would often stay until the end of the animal sales to make sure every child made a sale.

“He always made a point to stay until the end because he wanted to make sure everybody got some money,” she said, “and he loved getting the thank you notes from those children.”

Some folks shared their thoughts and memories on the Greene County News Facebook page.

“I am shocked beyond belief,” wrote Robin Russell, who said she knew Terry for more than 30 years. “He was a wonderful man … A truly sad day.”

Tobey will also be remembered for being a businessman loyal to the community where he started. Greene County Engineer Bob Geyer said Tobey chose to stay in Xenia in the aftermath of the 1974 tornado when most car dealerships moved to Beavercreek.

“Terry was a generous person in ways most will never know,” Geyer said. “Xenia will miss his always smiling face, good nature, and kindness.”

Sarah Sinclair Amend, president of the Xenia Rotary Club, said Tobey was a longtime Rotary member.

“Terry was a very caring and community minded individual who will be missed greatly in Xenia and the surrounding communities,” Amend said in a prepared statement. “Our town will not be the same without him.”

Chris Tobey said he’ll be at the Fair this year to continue his father’s tradition of supporting the 4-H program.

“That’s just one small way he supported the community. We intend to continue that legacy,” he said.


Funeral arrangements for Terry Tobey

  • Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at Tobias Funeral Home Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton Xenia Road.
  • The funeral service is planned at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 901 E. Stroop Road, Kettering.

About the Author