Tom was a merchant. He operated Soyars Store on Rt 58 West. It was originally called R F Soyars and Son, located on Horseshoe Road. He sold all kinds of merchandise, including groceries, seeds, feeds, gas and oil. Before Tom retired, he was the oldest Texaco dealer in the nation (56 years) and was awarded a gold watch from Texaco. After his retirment his son Tommy Lee Soyars operated the store until he retired., and then his son Donnie ran the store until it was sold. The store is now called the "Do Drop In".

World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Tom Lee Soyars
City: Not Stated
County: Pittsylvania
State: Virginia
Birthplace: Virginia;United States of America
Birth Date: 23 Mar 1892 Bachelors Hall, VA
Race: Caucasian
Roll: 1985043
DraftBoard: 1
Age: 25
Home Address: Rt. 1, Wenonda, VA
Occupation: Farming and Mercantile
Nearest Relative: Wife and one child
Height/Build: Medim/Medium
Color of Eyes/Hair: Brown/Black
Signature: Tom Lee Soyars
Date: June 5, 1917
Bachelors Hall, VA

1920 census, Pittsylvania Co, VA, Tunstall, District 170
Tom L. Soyars,age 27, born 1893 VA
Georgie R., age 23, born VA
Grover E., age 3 4/12, born VA
Clarice A., age 1 7/12, born VA
Permelia J., age 6/12, born VA

US World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942
Name: Tom Lee Soyars
Birth Date: 23 Mar 1892
Residence: Pittsylvania, Virginia
Birth: Pittsylvania, Virginia
Race: White
Roll: WW2_2370527
Residence: RFD #6, Danville, VA (Soyars' Store)
No telephone
Age 50
Contact; J. R. Soyars
Self employed Merchant
Signed: Tom Lee Soyars

Social Security Death Index
Name: Tom Soyars
SSN: 226-42-1193
Last Residence: 24541 Danville, Danville City, Virginia, United States of America
Born: 23 Mar 1892
Died: Dec 1968
State (Year) SSN issued: Virginia (1951)