Dan M. Vaden,

SAVANNAH - Dan M. Vaden, Jr. died early Tuesday morning, December 7, 2010 after a long illness, at his home, surrounded by his family and loving care-givers.  Mr. Vaden truly embodied "The American Dream." He began his career selling used cars and, over 50 years, built a regional automotive group with eight dealerships.  He achieved his dream of opening his own dealership in 1968, with Dan Vaden Chevrolet.  He grew his business from that first sale on a freshly cleared lot on Savannah's Abercorn Extension, to the Vaden Automotive Group which today employs over 400 people in Southeast Georgia and South Carolina.  He credited his success to the love and support of his closest friend and loving wife of 59 years, Jane Walton Vaden, his daughters Linda and Jane, their families, his employees and always ... his customers.
Mr. Vaden was born on June 8, 1927, the son of Dan Martin Vaden and Maxine Therin Vaden. He spent his childhood years in Eustis, Florida.  He joined the U. S. Navy after high school and served honorably in the closing days of World War II.  After his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Vaden entered his beloved University of Florida where he made life-long friendships as a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.  While a student he met, and after graduation, married Jane Adams Walton of Jacksonville, Florida.  They settled in Jacksonville and Mr. Vaden began his automotive career as a "Used Car Sales Trainee" for Riverside Chevrolet (later Nimnicht Chevrolet).  In the 15 years that followed, he rose in the ranks to become the General Manager of the dealership and partner with the Nimnicht family.
When the opportunity to open a new dealership arose, Mr. Vaden and his family moved to Savannah to open Dan Vaden Chevrolet.  The dealership grew significantly in the 1970's and by 1980 Mr. Vaden was ready to expand the business.  He entered the "foreign car" business as one of the first Isuzu dealers in the nation, opening the franchise on the Chevrolet property and later moving it to Stephenson Avenue.  For many years, he was among the top 10 Isuzu dealers in the nation.  In 1983, Mr. Vaden purchased Savannah's Datsun dealership (later Nissan) and soon added Suzuki as well.
Mr. Vaden began his company's growth outside Savannah in 1989, purchasing the Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealership in Brunswick, Ga. In the years that followed, he added the Buick and Cadillac franchises in the Brunswick market and moved the dealership from its original downtown location to the Glynn Place Mall area.
In 1992, Mr. Vaden was chosen as one of the best new-car dealers in the United States, winning the prestigious "Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award".  The City of Savannah proclaimed April 1993 as "Dan Vaden Month" in recognition of this national award.
The second generation has continued Mr. Vaden's focus on growth and expansion. The 1990's saw the addition of Volkswagen and Oldsmobile in Savannah.  In 2002 his family was awarded a second Chevrolet dealership in Savannah - Coastal Chevrolet- and Savannah's Hummer dealership.  In 2008, the company reached across state lines with the addition of a multi-line GM dealership in Beaufort, SC.  In 2009, the Vadens brought Nissan to Hinesville and just last month, the company added Nissan in Statesboro, Ga.
Mr. Vaden's dedication to his customers and his community was recognized in 2006 when the Coastal Empire Better Business Bureau awarded him its highest award, the Dian Wahrman Torch Award for "market place excellence in customer relations and business philosophy".  In 2008, Mr. Vaden received the Savannah business community's highest honor by induction into the Savannah Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his quiet leadership and support of many community projects throughout his career.
Most importantly to Mr. Vaden, his business was a "family business".  Daughters Linda and Jane spent their teenage years working in the dealership.  Son-in-law Bill Daniel joined the business in 1986 and is today, Vice President and General Counsel.  Daughter Jane and son-in-law Peter joined the business in 1994.  Peter now serves as Vice President.  A source of great pride for Mr. Vaden, his daughter Jane Vaden Thacher has become the President and Dealer Principal for each of the dealerships within the group and has been recognized by General Motors Corporation nationally for her success.
Over the years, Mr. Vaden was elected to multiple advisory committees at the regional and national level for General Motors, including the GM President's Council, the Chevrolet National Dealer Council and National Merchandizing Committees.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association and was appointed by Governor Zell Miller to the Used Car Licensing Board.
Mr. Vaden was committed to giving back to the local community.  He served on the Boards of Directors for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph's Hospital, the United Way of the Coastal Empire, the Better Business Bureau and the American Cancer Society.  He quietly spearheaded the creation of the Silent Witness Program and supported the law enforcement community whenever asked.  He was a member of the Welcome Home Committees for community salutes to Vietnam Veterans and Desert Shield veterans.
He was a "life-long" golfer and deeply loved the game.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Savannah Golf Club, the nation's oldest golf course.  He was a founding member of Savannah's Rotary East Club.  He was also a member of The Oglethorpe Club, the Savannah Yacht Club, the Chatham Club and The Landings Clubs.  He was an active member of the Alee Shrine, and the Jesters, as well as the Executive Association of Savannah.  Mr. Vaden was a dedicated member of the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, the Administrative Board and many committees.
Mr. Vaden is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jane Adams Walton Vaden; children, Linda Ann Vaden Daniel (William T.) and Jane Walton Vaden Thacher (Peter H.); grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Daniel Harlan (R. Scott) of Snellville, Ga., William Thomas Daniel, III, Robert Hampton Daniel, Jack Hollister Thacher, Sarah Day Thacher, Blake Walton Thacher all of Savannah and great-grandchild, Ann Marie Harlan; his sister Maxine Vaden Williams of Orlando, several nieces and nephews and loving care-givers led by Ms.Tiffany Milton.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 10, 2010 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah, Rev. Mike Ricker, Rev. Jim Morrow and Rev. Jim Rush will officiate.  A reception will follow the memorial in the Church Fellowship Hall.
The family deeply appreciates the prayerful support of friends and the community during this time.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to "The Green House Fund", Isle of Hope United Methodist Church - 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah, Georgia 31406.