48 years ago, in 1973, Smokey decided to leave Sheppard’s Well Drilling to venture out on his own. Smokey’s Pump Service and Well Drilling, Inc. was born and Smokey and Janet ran the business out of their residence. Around 1975, Smokey met a gentleman by the name of Raymond McNeill. Ray and Smokey had become neighbors and Ray worked as an assistant manager at the local Scotty’s store, where Smokey frequented. Things were changing at Scotty’s, and Ray was being asked to move to another town. Business was booming and Smokey needed help, so he and Ray discussed the idea of becoming partners. Ray bought stock in the company and Smokey began teaching Ray the trade. A couple of years later, Smokey and Ray purchased Sheppard’s Well Drilling, keeping another long standing company in the family.

Smokey’s Pump Service has always strived to have top notch employees. Through the years, several of the gentlemen that worked for Ray and Smokey went on to start other reputable well and pump companies in the Ocala and surrounding areas. The company was growing and it was time to build an office to use as headquarters. In 1983, they purchased the property at 4605 NE 36^th Ave and built the first official office. At this time, their sons, Greg McNeill and Derrel Robinson were officially on the payroll and well on their way to becoming well and pump experts.

Fast forward to 2001. Smokey and Ray are ready to retire from the career that they love. Who better to pass it on to, than their sons? Greg and Derrel purchased the business from their fathers and so began the second generation of owners of Smokey’s Pump Service. Through the hard, honest work provided by the owners and their employees, the business’s customer base was multiplying. The need for a larger shop arose and in 2007, Greg and Derrel built a new shop at 3747 NE 45^th Place, which is the current home of Smokey’s Pump Service. After devoting many years of their lives to the company, Greg and Derrel decided to retire and once again, sell the company to family. So in 2021, the third generation of owners, Tom McNeill (Greg’s cousin) and Ryan Felix (Derrel’s son) purchased the company.

We are so thankful to be blessed with wonderful customers and employees that have helped make this company what it is today. We are dedicated to providing the level of customer service that “keeps you coming back”. Thank you to Smokey, Ray, Greg and Derrel for providing this foundation for us to grow on and to one day pass on to our family members. Here’s to many more years of Smokey’s Pump Service!!