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Congratulations to our 2015 Hall of Fame Winners!

WARREN RAFFIELD

In the early 1950's Warren worked at Palmer Tire Company in downtown Macon. Richard (Dick) Palmer hired him to pump gas at his Broadway location, promoted him to inside salesman and then outside territory sales. In 1956 he joined Cooper Tire Company as an outside salesman covering Georgia and North Florida. In 1959 he joined Mohawk Rubber Company as an outside salesman covering mostly middle and south Georgia.

In 1962 he resigned from Mohawk Rubber Company and sold his 60 acre farm between Macon and Warner Robins to start "Raffield's OK Tire Store" on Rocky Creek Road in south Macon. In December of 1972 the business incorporated, became Raffield Tire Master's, Inc. and currently operates 7 retail locations and a Commercial truck tire center in Macon and Warner Robins. Warren and his wife Myrtice retired in 1985 after 22 years in the tire business and seeing their children and grandchildren become involved in the growing business they started.

Warren served as Georgia Tire Dealer and Retreader's Association President in 1976 & 1977 and was involved with the Board of Directors for 15 + years. He cherished the times and lasting friendships he made while being a part of the GTDRA.

Written by: Chip Battle

GENE LAABS

Gene got involved with the GTDRA back when he worked for Carroll Tire. Mr. Carroll put him in charge of handling the communication with the Association and the funds that were given. After the scholarship fund was started with Tom Snow, Gene took an active role with the financial responsibilities that came with the fund. He attended almost all of the annual conventions as well as the board meetings. Gene was instrumental in taking charge when the Association experienced a stock market decline in the early 90's and saw to it that the fund would be self supporting after a while. After Carroll Tire was purchased by TBC Corporation, Gene remained loyal to the Association and continued to work closely with others: Tony Sexton, Scott Beasley, and Sean Plumstead. His focus has always been on what is good for the Association and continuing to bring in younger members that will keep the Association and scholarship fund going for many years to come.

Written by: John Plumstead