A crowd of over 100 people attended the absolute auction of Gray & Sons Stockyards in Clanton, Alabama with final price reaching $181,500. Pearce & Associates had a pre auction estimate of $85,000 to $150,000.
Gray & Sons Stockyards had been a gathering place for farmers and stockers for over 45 years where tens of thousands of head of cattle had been sold. The stockyards closed 5 years ago after the passing of well known Chilton County auctioneer -businessman Gene Gray. Pearce & Associates was authorized by the Probate Courts to sell the property to settle the Gray Estate. The bidding was fast and furious, starting at $85,000 and quickly rising to over $100,000. When the hammer was dropped, the winning bidder ended up being one of Gene Grays sons, who wanted to keep the property in the family. He is not sure if it will continue as a Stockyard or if the property will be used as another business venture. If the locals in Clanton, Alabama get a vote, they will want it to be a stockyards again.
