Co-founder's legacy lives on

Chub O’Reilly founded O’Reilly Auto Parts with his father, Charles F. O’Reilly, in 1957. Chub was active in the day-to-day operations of the company until he stepped down as president in 1995 and became a company director. He served on the board of directors until his retirement last year at the age of 91.

David O’Reilly said business should continue as usual.

“I think our course is set, just like when (David’s siblings) Charlie and Larry and Rosalie retired two or three years ago,” he said. “We’ve continued on the tradition in pretty much the same vein.”

David O’Reilly retired from his role as company president and CEO in February. The company’s daily operations are now overseen by co-presidents Greg Henslee and Ted Wise, marking the first time in the company’s 48-year history that an O’Reilly has not been in charge.