SMYRNA, Tenn.- Rutherford County's oldest existing business has announced plans to close. Rexall drug store in Smyrna was opened back in 1895.
Rexall drug has been part of Smyrna for more than one hundred years and has been owned by several local families during its long history. The last owners, the Cole family, bought it in 1967.
"I started working at the drug store at six years of age, sweeping the floor and taking the Coke bottles out back," said Lee Cole, the store's current owner.
Cole has help helped a lot of people over the years, especially the elderly who have depended on them for help with their prescriptions and even their insurance.
"I think the community is going to miss them, because they have a great name as far as being efficient and explaining things about your drugs," said William Williams, a drugstore customer.
Cole said selling the store was a difficult decision, but now he and the rest of his family are moving on.
"You know I've prayed about it and I think it's right, but still the final walk to lock the door up and walk away I'll probably cry again," said Cole.
Walgreens has plans to buy the business and many of the employees are relocating to other Walgreens stores. The building will be sold.
The last day at the pharmacy is Monday, January 23, 2012. They'll close the doors for the last time at 6 p.m. that evening.
