BY DIANE SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Since 1967, Inez Drug has been dispensing medicine to generations of Martin Countians. It gives customers what they need: a safe, simple, accessible way to get their medication.
The mom-and-pop-style drugstore’s longstanding success is in its more personal ways of customer service, patient care and the owner’s career satisfaction.
Inez Drug opened Feb. 19, 1967, on Main Street in Inez. Its owner, the late Fred Dickerson, became known for his compassion and desire to help folks.
According to Dickerson’s wife of 28 years and the Inez Drug current owner, Jackie Dickerson-Galer, Fred believed in improving the health and wellness of the community by engaging with customers and providing them with the best products, services and advice.
“He was there to serve the people of Martin County,” Jackie said. “He was always trying to help someone.”
Customers walking into “Fred’s,” as it became known, to pick up prescriptions, medical supplies or sundries were accustomed to an invitation to sit and chat with the late owner. He would ask about their well-being and families and discuss current events and bygone days. According to Jackie, Fred had a natural gift.
Before opening Inez Drug, Fred had worked for the state highway department, the Community Action Program, where he helped needy families, and as the driver for former Kentucky Governor and baseball commissioner, the late Happy Chandler.
“He had such a love for helping others,” said Jackie. “Guess that’s why he opened the drugstore.”
Jackie met Fred while working at the popular Village Restaurant on Main Street in the 1960s.
“I was out front sweeping on the sidewalk and street area,” said Jackie. “I saw him looking at me, and I smiled. He said, ‘You have the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.’”
Jackie took a second job working in the drugstore around 1970-71.
“I’d work from 5 to 1 at Village, 1 to 5 at the drugstore, then back to the Village,” said Jackie. “I’ve had a paying job since I was 16 years old.”
The two were married until Fred’s passing in September 2000.
After Fred’s passing, Jackie moved Inez Drug to its current location at 38 Old Middlefork Road, about 300 feet from its original location.
The current location offers a modern technological system, plenty of parking space, a convenient drive-thru and pharmacists available for expert advice.
The drugstore maintains its old-fashioned personal patient care tradition and highlights another niche: home delivery within 5 miles. Jackie said Quail Hollow and Skeeze Ward Manor residents often use the delivery service.
“God has blessed me,” added Jackie. “He’s been good to me with this life.”
Inez Drug is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and accepts all major insurances.