Jerry Herndon, second from left, and Richard Bass, second from right, celebrate the affiliation of their Arwood Drug Company with Chancy Drugs, owned by Hugh and Bert Chancy, at left and right.

MOULTRIE — Since 1932 there has been an Arwood Drug Company in Moultrie. Established by Cecil and Jack Arwood, Arwood’s has been a mainstay in the downtown area for over 80 years.

What began as a “rolling store,” where goods were bought and bartered for off the back of an old truck, became a store where countless families have looked for their health related needs. Arwood’s was located on the north side of the square until it moved to its present location at 101 N. Main St. in 1970. Jack Chastain became owner and successfully operated the store until his retirement in 1997. Jerry Herndon and Richard Bass have owned the    business for the last 18 years.

The product of the passage of time is change, according to a press release from the drug company. Herndon and Bass reached a time they thought would be right for retirement and made the decision to sell Arwood Drug Company.

“With every intention of Arwood’s remaining an independent store, they searched for buyers locally and in the surrounding area,” the release said. “The result was an affiliation with Chancy Drugs of Hahira, owned and operated by Hugh and Bert Chancy.”

Chancy Drugs consists of four other retail stores in Hahira, Adel, Valdosta and Lake Park as well as a closed door pharmacy which specializes in pre-packaged unit dose medications for nursing homes and individual patients. Chancy Drugs is recognized throughout the state as a progressive family-owned business committed to excellent customer service and patient care, the press release said.

Herndon and Bass intend to continue working on a part-time basis for the foreseeable future, the press releas said, and they encourage their customers to support this move in the New Year. Henry McGill, a pharmacist with Chancy Drugs in Adel, has joined them to help work through this transition. In the upcoming year Chancy Drugs will be remodeling the store as well as bringing many new clinical programs to Arwood’s faithful customers, the release said.

“Jerry and Richard wish to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to their customers for their loyalty and support over the years,” the release said. “We appreciate your trusting us to take care of your medication needs and  supplying information which hopefully has lead to your improved health and well being. Please feel free to stop by and meet Henry or just sit a spell and visit with Jerry or Richard.”