11/26/2025
Andy’s House of Cars lost one of our own yesterday.
Bill Negley was always the nicest man in the room—whether he knew you or not, he considered you a friend. He sold cars in this area for over 40 years, and chances are a lot of you bought one from him. He even owned his own dealership, Negley Auto Sales. Some people pick their careers… the auto industry picked Bill he was born for this job and he loved doing it.
Through the years, he trained countless young salespeople—myself included—on everything: finance, prepping cars for the lot, and the auto auction, where he once told me it was like being on the floor of the U.S. Stock Exchange. When you’re in your late twenties standing there looking at 20+ selling lanes in the middle of 2,500–3,000 cars selling at once, that makes quite an impression.
I’m blessed to have been part of Bill’s professional life and career. And because of him, my life changed in ways I never saw coming.
On a Friday afternoon in April, he was talking to a lady, got frustrated, came inside the dealership and said, “Go throw her out. She’s mean. She's not buying anything.” We were closing in half an hour—this is the last thing I wanted to do. But this was Bill. If he told me to walk over hot coals because it would help sell cars, I’d have done it. So I went outside… and she was mean. I didn’t throw her out; I was nice. She left, called back, and asked me out. And today I have an amazing daughter because Bill told me to throw out a customer—so I married her instead.
Turns out I don’t have low miles, my warranty is expired, and the marriage didn’t work out… and at this point, Bill is selling cars for me now. I am so happy he is around, he may not be moving like he once did but that didn't matter to me. He knew everything about this business and I had a friend to lean on in a time of need.
We worked together, he left to start his own dealership, we stayed in touch, he retired, and then I dragged him back out of the house to keep him busy selling cars at my dealership. From my boss to my employee, life is amazing. My friend and mentor was here with me during a turbulent time in my personal life. I couldn't have asked for anyone any better at that time. He was a great listener. If he had good advice, he gave it. If he had bad advice, he gave that too—and told you it was bad advice.
As time passes, we’re losing great people like Bill. Far from perfect, but full of the kind of wisdom you can’t teach. It was no accident our paths crossed.
Bill—whatever car you’re driving now, I know it’s awesome, probably has a big wing on the back, and you definitely bought it way behind book. But you left your stuff in the trunk… and the gas light is on.
Love ya - Andy
