Beloved Arizona Auto Dealer Tex Earnhardt Dies At 89

PHOENIX, AZ—Tex Earnhardt, a popular Arizona automobile dealer, known for his cowboy hat, southern charm and "no bull" attitude has died at the age of 89. Earnhardt Auto Centers announced his passing on the company’s website Sunday.

"He passed away of natural causes, at home, amongst generations of his loving family," the company said. "He will be sorely missed for a very long time. Heaven just got one heck of an Angel in Tex Earnhardt."

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone referred to Earnhardt as "one of a kind."

"He was as real and genuine as a cowboy could be. He defined Arizona and will be missed," Penzone said.

Video of Tex Earnhardt commercial:

Born in 1930, Earnhardt grew up in rural Texas, near the Rio Grande River Valley, he before moving to Chandler, Arizona as a teenager where he became a rodeo cowboy and worked at the family’s gas station located in “old town” Chandler, off Arizona Avenue. Seeing an opportunity to sell the very cars and trucks that he filled and serviced, Earnhardt became the youngest person to ever receive a Ford Franchise - just before his 21st birthday. Earnhardt Ford, Earnhardt Auto Centers, was founded on Sept. 4, 1951, right in Arizona.

In business for nearly 70 years, Earnhardt Auto Centers has grown from one to 23 dealerships, representing 17 brands, with locations in both the Phoenix Metro as well as Las Vegas Metro markets.

Earnhardt was famous for his many TV commercials that often showed him dressed as a cowboy atop a steer while talking about car deals. He was known for his popular trademark slogan of “and that ain’t no bull.”

According to Earnhardt's children, business will continue as usual while stil upholding the values their father lived by.

“It’s a time to remember and grieve, but the company - and the mission to serve its surrounding communities - will continue to grow and expand; ensuring the legacy and spirit of Tex Earnhardt is felt and present for many, many years to come,” said sons Hal and Jim Babe Earnhardt.

Earnhardt, up close and personal: