If you ask people, most can remember a day that stands out for them and if you ask Timmy Beal with Beal’s Collision Center & Trailer Sales, he and any of his employees will quickly tell you the date of Dec. 16, 2019.
On that day, near the end of the workday around 4:46 p.m., an EF2 tornado with winds up to 112 MPH crossed over the Pearl River and made a northeast turn across U.S. 98. It then made a direct hit on the collision center, causing extensive damage and destroying the J-Flame Kustoms building and Clearwater Pools.
One year later, they are still rebuilding. Beal, though, did not let the tornado bring him down. On Dec. 17, 2019, Beal was there early in the morning already beginning with the clean-up.
When asked if he learned anything from that tornado, he said the importance of being “prayed up.”
“Life is short, anything can happen, appreciate life and the people around you,” Beal said on Thursday.
Within three weeks of the tornado, he said he had all of his men back at work either working on customers’ vehicles or helping clean up. He credits business people affected by the Dec. 23, 2014 tornado with stepping in and offering advice on how to pick up the pieces and rebuild.
“They told me to get my men working as soon as possible. To rebuild the shops first and the office last. I listened to them,” he said.
Talking to Beal, though, the biggest thing a person could sense from him was appreciation. He was very quick to say how much he has appreciated the support of the community, other businesses and all of their customers. Even the night of the tornado, people were quick to show up to help, forming a line while removing important items from the office before the heavy rains came in that followed later that night. He said the customers have been great all year.
“I have been overwhelmed by all the support, thoughts, prayers and help from everyone. The outpouring we have received all year long,” Beal said more than once.
Looking at the collision center now, it’s definitely a different scene than from a year ago when twisted and mangled metal buildings once stood. The different shops for repairs have been rebuilt and the office is still not complete, but he does have a mobile office so he has been able to continue to work. He said he believes the office building will be ready in about three months.
However, one thing that stands out where the new office is being built, there are two cinder block structures inside the office building. Beal installed two storm shelters in case another tornado comes through.
Some modifications are being made as well while he is having to rebuild. One addition he is adding includes two bays for vehicles to come through for repair estimates.
In the end for Beal, it is all about gratitude. First and foremost to the Lord, then to everyone else. But in the year since that fateful day, he has learned to take no one for granted and to really appreciate his community, friends, family and customers. He credits all of them with helping him rebuild and continuing on.
