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Remembering Springfield Tractor Company
Margie2c Ronald and Virginia
Above are Margie and Ronald Burns and Virginia Wilson. - photo by Photo provided

Springfield Tractor Company was one of the most important businesses to serve Effingham County farmers. It was founded in 1967 by J.F. Evans of Screven County and K.G. McKenzie of South Carolina.

In January 1968, Bruce G. Burns bought half interest in the business from J.F. Evans and in 1970, bought the other half interest from McKenzie becoming sole owner of the business.

The business was located on south Laurel Street and the Highway 21 bypass. The building and adjacent shop are still located there occupied by other enterprises today.

After 1974, the business was owned and operated by Burns’ son Ronald and his mother Virginia Burns Wilson. After Bruce Burns died, Virginia had become the wife of Rudolph Wilson.

Employees of the business through the years included sons Randy and Greg Burns; Ronald’s wife Margie Burns, bookkeeper; James Williams, service manager; Randy Persons, mechanic; and George Williams and Matthew Edwards, assembly and equipment. Some others employed through the years were: Barry Johnson, David Exley, Andy Hodges, Nicole Morgan, Rose Burnsed, Terrell Edwards, Fulton Hursey, Kevin Patterson, H.B. Rahn and David Williford.

Massey Ferguson tractors and equipment were sold there for over three decades. They also sold lawn and garden equipment. “Service after the sale” was their business trademark. For the later years they operated a self storage business on the northern half of the property with storage units available. They serviced and repaired tractors and equipment.

After Ronald lost Margie to cancer and his health failed, he retired and ownership came into his sons’ hands. The business declined and closed about the mid 2000s.

This was compiled by Susan Exley of Historic Effingham Society. If you have photos, comments or information to share, contact her at 754-6681 or email her at: hesheraldexley@aol.com.