Local drugstore celebrating 50 years

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Smith County Drug Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The drugstore was founded by Steve Wilmore a Dixon Springs resident and 40-year pharmacist who retired in 2016.

Today, the drugstore has four co-owners.

The founder’s son Jay Wilmore, Jan Broyles Trainham, Lisa Kemp Harville and Cozette West Manus.

At various periods, each of the four co-owners were employed at the drugstore while attending high school and college before eventually becoming partners in the store.

Originally, Steve Wilmore opened Smith County Drug Center on Highway 25 in Carthage, renting space in a building from then owner Ernest Hackett. Today the building houses Carthage Discount Tobacco.

Smith County Drug Center relocated to its current location at the corner of North Main Street and Hospital Drive in 1999 where the Petty-Green clinic was once located.

As the pharmacy grew at its current location, Wilmore began taking on partners Jan Broyles Trainham, Lisa Kemp Harville and Cozette West Manus. Wilmore saved one last ownership position at the drugstore for his son, Jay.

READ MORE IN THIS WEEK’S COURIER