WHEN “LITTLE” Joe Burns’ 1954 Buick and his friend Cody Mitchell’s 1949 Chevy 3100 truck hit the road after the extra touches the duo added to their classics in 2015, the process and end results looked like fun to Little Joe’s parents, Brenda and “Big” Joe Burns. When the Burns brought new life to their old vehicles and joined them, VooDoo Customs rolled out.
“There were four of us now, cruising all around, then attention grew,” Big Joe recalled.
When Rex Campbell and his 1947 Ford joined the enthusiasts, they made the rounds to area car shows and cruise-ins every weekend. But the roads they traveled led beyond their initial destinations – they led to an undeniable impact and benefit to the Fayetteville and Lincoln County communities.
In 2018, the club’s membership stood at seven, and Mitchell’s uncle was facing financial hardships due to a serious illness. The club wanted to help, so the group decided to host a VooDoo Customs Conjure car show, offering door prizes donated by area businesses, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.
“We had a total of 76 cars in our first show, and I think a big takeaway was, of course, the money went to helping someone in need. The winners received trophies that Little Joe made of old car, truck, and engine parts, and they loved them. Some who attended the show liked what we were doing and wanted to join our club,” said Big Joe.
Membership steadily grew with each Conjure and the club’s other shows and fundraising efforts.
“We help sponsor the shows at the McBurg Annual Barbeque, Delrose Fire Department, and the Giles County Antique Tractor Show. We helped the Lincoln County High School band with their show. We got all our local buddies and car clubs to come and participate to help them raise money for costly band equipment,” Big Joe explained.
He continued, “Our money from the October show at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds goes to [support] kid’s angel trees, the veteran’s trees, and nursing home residents at Christmas time.”
Other beneficiaries of VooDoo Custom’s kindness are Hands of Mercy, NOKIDGOESHUNGRY, and the Legion Riders Wreaths Across America program.
“We help the awesome group put out 140 stands and wreaths each year at Lincoln Cemetery, and we’ll return on [the Saturday after Christmas] to remove them,” Big Joe added.
Organizing shows and volunteering for projects like Wreaths Across America requires a lot of work. Sponsorships from area businesses support the group’s efforts.
Little Joe led the club until family commitments temporarily forced him to step back in late 2021. He temporarily handed his duties over to his mom, Brenda, but has since returned to his position as the club’s president.
Big Joe said, “Turning the wheels is what she did in making somewhere around 2,500 flyers, printing them, passing them out, putting trophies together, and getting sponsorships along with the help of our appointed public relations and members. So to car shows we went.”
Today, board members are Kenny and Miki Campbell, Jeff and Shannon Gibson, David and Misty Ford, Steve and Shelia Nichols, Steve and Tina McAnally, and Billy and Sandra Woodward.
When the club lost its fifth original member, Rex Campbell, on Oct. 1, 2022, the group fulfilled his final wishes, demonstrating the deep bonds shared among VooDoo Customs Car Club members.
The roar of engines echoed through Lincoln County as a procession of vintage vehicles solemnly wound its way to New Sharon Cemetery. In front, Campbell’s 1947 Ford carried him on his final ride. Nearly 30 classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles followed behind, their rumbling a solemn salute to a fallen brother. His casket, adorned with VooDoo Customs pinstriped artwork and draped in the American flag, paid tribute to his Vietnam service and his membership in the brotherhood of a group of automotive enthusiasts with hearts of service to our community.
In the following weeks, the group demonstrated its commitment to family — both blood and chosen. The club unanimously voted to cover Campbell’s funeral expenses, working with Gallant Funeral Home to settle the costs. This gesture, coupled with donations from friends and the community, ensured that Campbell’s immediate family faced no financial burden in their time of grief.
Campbell was a driving force within the club. Known for his no-nonsense approach and uncanny ability to coordinate parking at events, he pushed the group to excel. His loss left a void, but his spirit continues to inspire VooDoo Customs members.
Big Joe said about Campbell, “He was the most influential member we have ever had and will ever have.”
Today, the club’s motto, “showing up and caring for others,” echoes throughout the community, turning what started as a small group of car enthusiasts into a family dedicated to making a difference, one car show at a time. GN
