Buckley Family Marks Half a Century with Becks Auto Supply

On March 1, 1976, at the ages of 24 and 19, Jimmy and Cheryl Buckley purchased Becks Auto Supply from Elliott and Doris Beck of Ash Grove. The Becks opened the store in 1968 just down the street from Wilkerson Motors, where Jimmy worked in the parts department since 1970.

Ordering parts used to mean using a 2-way radio to talk to the supplier in Springfield and writing down orders by hand. “A lot has changed over the years,” said Cheryl. “And so have we.”

Becks has been a family business from the beginning. Their children, Alison, James, Charlie, and Nate, grew up in the store and worked there once they reached school age through high school. Now, their grandchildren Levi, Ryan, and Nora are joining in. “I love having the kids here,” said Cheryl.

Over time, a bigger parts store opened nearby. At first, that made them nervous. But they soon realized Becks Auto Supply offers something you don’t get at big chains: Jimmy’s expertise. From his work in Wilkerson Motors’ parts department to building hotrods and doing repairs at Becks, Jimmy’s hands-on knowledge is rare these days. “It’s what kept our customers coming back," stated Cheryl.

“We’ve been blessed by the support of our amazing community in reaching this milestone,” Cheryl said. “Fifty years ago, the Lord opened the door for us, and He has been and continues to be our provider.”

Stop in on Wednesday, March 4th, Thursday, March 5th or Friday, March 6th, for some reminiscing and sweet treats in honor of their 50th year in business. 
Becks Auto Supply is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.