[11/13/01]One of Vicksburg’s seven car dealerships has been sold to a Jackson competitor and will soon be getting a new name.

Joe Usry, co-owner of Rogers Usry of Jackson, announced Monday that his company has bought River City Honda, 2939 N. Frontage Road. Vicksburg native Gary Russell has been named the new general manager for the dealership.

“We felt like it was a good opportunity to grow in the car business,” Usry said. “We plan to increase the inventory and the number of employees.”

Rogers Usry closed the deal with father and son J.O. Smith and Patrick Smith of Vicksburg last week. The Smiths could not be contacted.

Usry said the name on the building should be changed in the next two weeks.

Russell, a 26-year-veteran of the automotive industry who began his career in Vicksburg, has worked in Orlando, Atlanta and Hilton Head. He began working here again Monday.

“Jackie (his wife) and I are happy to be back home in Vicksburg,” Russell said. “We’re committed to being active partners in the Vicksburg (and) Warren County business community.

Rogers Usry is a full-service Honda dealership offering sales, service and repair.

The Honda dealership is the third Vicksburg dealership to change ownership this year.

Delta Ford Lincoln Mercury changed names in June after former owner Roy Grant retired. The dealership became Vicksburg Ford Lincoln Mercury Mazda in June.

In April, longtime car dealers Robert and Bobby Jo McConnell sold their Toyota dealership, Rivertown on East Clay Street, to Hopkins Automotive Group of Ruston. That business is now called Hopkins Toyota.