Ringgold Community Rallies to Support Local Business Following Severe Flooding

The Ringgold community is demonstrating the true meaning of resilience and neighborly spirit in the wake of devastating flash floods that struck the area late Thursday night. As waters rose rapidly, reaching six inches by the early hours of Friday morning, local business owners and residents wasted no time coming together to aid those hardest hit by the sudden deluge.

Among the impacted establishments was Rick Worley and Son Auto Shop, a cornerstone of the local business landscape for over 32 years.

“When I got here, I couldn’t see the door handles on the front door,” recalled Bobby Pardue, the shop’s parts manager. “It was just us trying to get in and release as much pressure off the building as we could to prevent any more damage.”

As news of the destruction spread, the community mobilized almost immediately. Clay Kissner, owner of Clay Kissner Paving, did not hesitate to redirect his team’s resources from their ongoing projects to the recovery effort.

“I was sending my guys down here to help, and I called my paving crew and told them to stop everything they were doing and send their tractors and pressure washers,” said Kissner, whose team ultimately removed 40 tons of damaged, flood-slicked asphalt from the site of the auto shop. “I know whenever anything floods, the first thing that gets damaged is the road.”

The cleanup effort has been a collaborative mission, with contributions coming from various sectors of the community. Local officials noted that the local Lowe’s store donated essential supplies, and businesses like Ringgold Power Sports joined the efforts on the ground.

For many in the community, this act of service is deeply personal. The Worley family has faced immense hardship following the passing of the shop’s founder, Rick Worley, less than a year ago. His 13-year-old son, Ryver, who has been assisting with the cleanup, remembered his father as a man who always put others first.

Volunteers and business owners echoed the sentiment that the outpouring of support is a direct tribute to Rick Worley’s character. They believe that if he were still here, he would have been the first on the scene to help a neighbor in need.

“The only thing they have is their neighbors, and that’s why I always try to lend a helping hand anytime I can,” Kissner said.

Bonnie Hutelin of Ringgold Power Sports shared a similar perspective on the town’s culture. “This is all the businesses pulling together… it’s the Christian thing to do and the community thing. That’s the way Ringgold works.”

Despite the significant damage sustained by their facilities, management at Rick Worley and Son confirmed that they intend to keep their doors open throughout the rebuilding process, sustained by the gratitude they feel for the community that has stepped in to carry them through this crisis.