Payne’s marks 48 years in Silsbee

Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SILSBEE — Payne’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service Inc. has marked 48 years in business, continuing a family legacy built on steady work, long hours and a simple belief from owner Esker L. Payne. “If I can make money for these guys, why not make money for me?” Payne said. Payne, originally from Hemphill, came to the Silsbee area after working in Beaumont for about 10 years. He later worked for a local shop for five years before moving to Goodyear, where he worked for eight years. In 1978, Payne decided to open his own business. The first three months were spent working during the summer months of June, July and August before he moved the business into town in September. Over the years, the shop has operated from a couple of locations before settling into its current location, where Payne said the business has been for about 20 years. The shop has handled a wide range of automotive work through the decades, from tuneups and brakes to motors, transmissions, body work and wrecker service. Payne said few single vehicles stand out after nearly five decades in the trade, but one story did come to mind. A man once brought in a truck after installing a new motor. During the process, the truck backfired, caught fire and ended up setting part of the man’s house and garage on fire. “I looked at the truck and said, ‘It ain’t worth fixing,’” Payne said. “But I’ll be glad to buy it from you.” Payne bought the truck, pulled the motor and found the engine was still usable. The business also has been a family affair. Payne said all of his children have worked for him at some point, along with his grandsons. “It’s a family legacy,” Payne said. “They’ve all worked for me. Every one of them.” The anniversary comes as Payne and his wife, Vada, prepare to celebrate another milestone: their 65th wedding anniversary in August. Asked for advice on a marriage lasting that long, Payne kept the answer short. “God in your life,” Payne said. “God in your life and depend on him, and he will take care of them.” As for retirement, Payne said he has no plans to slow down. “When they kick the sand over me, I’ll know it’s over,” he said.