The Jones family of Gleason, Tennessee has roots deep into the tradition and legacy of service to citizens of Gleason and surrounding counties by providing high quality automotive needs. These roots began many years ago when John Jones and Harriett Collins lived in Weakley County.

In 1858, they had a son, Thomas Willard Jones, who grew up as a farmer and blacksmith.  The folks in Gleason called him “Tinker Tom” because he “tinkered” with whatever needed to be repaired to help friends and family.  He later married Eliza Ann Russ and in 1885 they were blessed with a son named John Thomas Jones.  Likewise, John Thomas began as a farmer who moved around but never left the Gleason area.  He married Lockie Victoria Hamm and their son J. T. Jones was born in 1915.

J.T. grew up with an early interest in farming but quickly realized it wasn’t for him.  After marrying Novella Deck, they started a tobacco business, and he also started traveling with other men to Michigan to buy automobiles.  He would bring them back to Gleason and sell to local people in and around the Gleason area.

In 1947, their son Barry Jones was born. J. T. built a used car dealership in Gleason known to all as Crestview Motors.  In 1966 Barry married Aletha Wray.  After spending four year in the United States Air Force, he returned home and began his career working for his father in the used car business.  Barry and Aletha bought the business from J. T. and Novella in 1978.  Barry continued to sell cars until 1990 when he started phasing out the car sales and began a mechanic shop that provided exceptional service working on cars and trucks for the public.  Whatever your automotive needs, Crestview Motors is your go-to place!!

In 1975 Barry and Aletha added a son Thomas Wray and in 1980 their daughter Allison Jane joined the family.  Tommy graduated from Gleason School in 1994 and attended Memphis State Tech to receive his ASE certification.  Also in 1994, Barry and Aletha bought land and built a new mechanic shop and changed the name of their lucrative business to Crestview Motors Service Center.

Tommy couldn’t wait to get home from college and join his dad in the family business that began so many decades ago.  When Allison finished high school in 1998, she attended Union University for one year then moved to Nashville to attend John A. Gupton Mortuary School.  She worked outside the family business for about fifteen years. 

In 2016, Tommy and Allison started their new business venture together by approaching their parents with the desire to become the new owners of the business that meant so much to them and the entire community of Gleason.  Their first order of business was to change the name to Crestview. 

The business has grown from just primarily working on a car or truck to cover just about any mechanical issue or need of their valued customers.  The two thousand square foot expansion in 2004 allows accommodation for larger vehicles which has become a necessity.

If you drive by 172 Smyth Lane in Gleason, Tennessee, you will see anything from a BMW to a Ford, Dodge, or Chevy.  One might even see an RV, semi-truck, school bus, fire truck, ambulance, combine, tractor, and even a bulldozer sitting in the parking lot for the Crestview staff to work its magic.

You might also see three little boys running around in that same parking lot…..the next generation is just waiting their turn while learning the ropes from the best!!! 

The folks at Crestview will meet and greet you with a warm smile, friendly conversation, and an atmosphere of friendship.  These are some of the finest down home folks in Gleason who have dedicated themselves to its citizens because they genuinely love the community they so proudly call home. (Story by Kay Hudson)

Crestview Service Center - The Next Generation

L to R:  Caleb Jones, Barrett Bowers, Presley Scott, Trey Bowers