IT COULD be the speedy service. It could be the family name or the devotion to God and country. Whatever it is, it’s working for Stovall’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service. The Fayetteville staple has been around for 55 years, bringing in decades of repeat customers, out-of-town visitors, and just about anyone stranded in Lincoln County.
“They are open always to help you when you need them — even when you’re stuck in line at Long John Silver’s,” one Facebook reviewer said.
Bill Stovall was 21 years old and working at a local body shop when his boss told him he was going to Lewisburg for a couple of years. He asked if Stovall would run the shop during his absence. But the 21-year-old didn’t want to just watch over the shop.
“I said, ‘Well, if I’m gonna run the shop here, I’d just soon own it,’” Stovall recalled, laughing.
His parents mortgaged their house and helped him go into business on October 1, 1968. Fifty-five years, a lot of long hours, a whole lot of dedication, and thousands of prayers later, Stovall is still answering the phones at his body shop.
“I’ve always enjoyed working on cars or doing anything mechanical even when I was young — bicycles, tricycles, wagons, anything, you know,” Stovall said. “I enjoyed the work, you know?”
Of course, he’s not the only one keeping the lights on — it’s a family affair. His dad worked there after he retired. His brother still works there full-time, and Stovall’s son helps with paperwork when he comes into town from Clarksville. Stovall’s wife worked by his side until she retired earlier this year, and his other son and his grandson are there basically around the clock.
Stovall’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service has only glowing reviews and a lot of fiercely loyal customers.
“Amazing guys here. Late-night tow and the friendliest and quickest service you can ask for! Would hands down, over any other, recommend them,” one review said.
“The best in Lincoln County. Great people and beautiful work,” another one reads.
A quick Google search would show you hundreds of the same types of comments. Stovall said it’s just part of the job.
“If you’re a Christian and you treat people like they wanna be treated, you usually come out on the fair end,” he said. “If you’re fair with people, they’ll be fair back with you.”
For many, their service is more than fair. They have wreckers running all hours of the day, seven days a week. They offer collision repair, vehicle lockouts, car storage, heavy-duty towing, and storage units.
They meant to celebrate the shop’s 50th anniversary five years ago but never had the time. And things aren’t slowing down now.
“We don’t have a lot of time for celebrating,” Stovall said. “Most of our time is for working.”
As for his and his family’s success, his outlook is simple: “If you treat your customers fair and you’re good to God and your country, everything else will take care of itself.” GN
