Julian E. Peagler Jr.

Julian E. Peagler Jr. passed away May 3, 2012. He was known in the automotive industry as an iconic leader for many years. He was a consultant not only to small dealers, but also to Chrysler Motors, General Motors and Hertz Corporation.

Born in Tifton, Ga., as a young man and an excellent swimmer, Julian became a head lifeguard in Florida, then went on to be chef aboard the Rockefeller Yacht.

Julian worked in the C.C.C. project, and in two months became project manager. He served proudly in World War II in the Army Air Corp. Julian moved to California, opened Ford, Chrysler and Cadillac Dealerships.

He soon met Gray Madison and partnered in a Ford store in Phoenix. Loving Arizona, Julian moved here in 1956, opened Pegler’s Dodge City, then Freeway Dodge, Jeep AMC and Peglers Leasing Company. He was one of the largest advertisers in the business. You couldn’t miss his picture from billboard to billboard.

He served as president of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association while still involved with vehicle contracts with movie studios in California. Many celebrities would arrive in Phoenix and the parties were many.

As a member of Phoenix Country Club more than 50 years, White Mountain Country Club and Pinetop Country Club, Julian was an avid golfer and really loved playing gin rummy with the boys. Julian was a wonderful and devoted husband to his wife of 35 years, Beverly. For years, Julian has been involved in the family business Frontier Town, in Cave Creek, Ariz. He loved the western way of life and Cave Creek was special.

Ninety-two years have come and gone for Julian, but he leaves us with unforgettable memories.