In December, history was made and the City of Oakdale was changed forever when a business closed its doors after 55 years of existence in the community.
Chambley’s Appliance and Furniture closed on December 15, 2020, when Bernard L. Chambley, owner, decided to retire. He had been in business for 55 years. The store was built around 1910, according to information from the family. It had been visible in Oakdale from Highway 165 for over 100 years. The name, Chambley, had been visible for almost six decades.
Born in Drew, Mississippi, Chambley moved to Oakdale with his family when he was 15 years old. He and his wife, Gail Lanier Chambley, have been married for 53 years. His business began as a television and radio repair shop but grew to the appliance center that served the area for many years.
Chambley, 81, is looking forward to retirement, according to his son, Brian, who said, “Mr. Chambley would like to thank his countless customers for their business over the past 55 years.”
Chambley, who has a green thumb, will enjoy doing some work in his yard and garden, which he loves to do, and traveling with his wife.
As this historical era in the Chambley family came to an end with Bernard Chambley’s retirement, his son Brian wrote a tribute. Here it is….
The best salesman I know retired on December 15, 2020.
After 55 years and almost 82 years old, my dad said “It’s time.”
My dad’s sales philosophy was simple:
Be honest, connect with people, understand their need, and provide great service.
Dad believes his business thrived for almost six decades because of his honesty, and the great service he provided after the sale.
Dad opened his TV and radio repair business on August 1, 1965, in Oakdale, La., after serving in the United States Air Force where he learned electronics.
As dad’s TV and radio repair business grew he began selling Zenith TV’s. His sales further expanded into furniture and appliances and he renamed his store, Chambley’s Appliance and Furniture.
During his 55 year career dad sold to three generations throughout several parishes. Over the past several decades dad mainly sold appliances and became one of the top Whirlpool dealers in the area.
The work ethic I have today came from watching my dad. As an adult, it didn’t seem right to me if dad was working more hours than me. While growing up, and at home from college I went with dad on countless deliveries, and I’ll always cherish those memories.
I sure wish I could go on one more delivery with dad.
