Tex Earnhardt

Tex Hal Earnhardt (December 9, 1930 – April 19, 2020) was an American entrepreneur born in Southern Texas.^[1][2] He was the founder and CEO of Earnhardt Auto Centers, an automotive dealership company based in Chandler, Arizona. ^[3][4]

Early life and education

Earnhardt grew up around the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. He moved with his family to Chandler in the late 1940s.^[5][6] Earnhardt dropped out of school in the 10th grade. ^[7]

Personal life

Earnhardt has a daughter, Debra Earnhardt, and two sons, Hal and Jim Babe Earnhardt.^[8][9]

Career

After dropping out of school, Earnhardt learned team roping and horseback riding and became a rodeo cowboy.^[1][2] After that, started working at his father’s gas station and sold auto parts.^[10]

Earnhardt Auto Centers

Earnhardt set up Earnhardt Auto Centers in 1951 and the company has grown from 1 to 24 dealerships, representing 18 brands, employing more than 2,200 people.^[6] According to Automotive News Data Center’s top 125 dealership group data, in 2012, the company sold 19,049 new and 9,793 used vehicles in 2012. ^[9][4] The company is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, and has dealerships primarily throughout the Phoenix-area, as well as two in Las Vegas.

Philanthropy

Earnhardt was a financial supporter of several children’s causes, including the East Valley Boys and Girls Club, Child Crisis Center, Make a Wish Foundation, and Head Start. In June 2019, he donated $240,000 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. ^[11][12][2]

Death

Earnhardt died on April 19, 2020, at the age of 89 due to natural causes.^[13][8][14]