RAINELLE W.Va. (WVDN) – Paul Raines, owner of Western Auto in Rainelle, is handing over the reins of the oldest business in Rainelle (except Kroger) to Jeremy and JoAnna Willis. For over 50 years, Paul Raines has served the community with his automotive service center and his relentless pursuit of helping his neighbors, one at a time.
Raines decided it was time to step back from supplying all things auto-related as he recounted the life events that brought him to this decision. “I came into my shop the morning after the flood of 2016, saw the damage and cried like a baby for about five minutes. I thought about giving up, but quickly said ‘No.’ The business I [put my heart and soul into] for 42 years, was devastated. I had no cause to have flood insurance. Yet I knew I couldn’t just quit on my community and Vicky and I knew we had to go on.”
With blood, sweat and tears, Raines regrouped and continued to offer the same great service his neighbors had come to depend on. In addition to stocking anything you could need to service your vehicles, he has a five-bay garage where mechanics work diligently repairing and servicing cars, tools, home repair items, an inspection station, large appliances, small tractors and mowers, lawn and garden supplies, is a Husqvarna dealer and gives a hearty welcome to anyone who walks through their doors.
“Fast forward to the fall of 2023, I realized that none of us are promised tomorrow so we made the decision to make an offer that couldn’t be refused to Jeremy and JoAnna Willis. I’ve known Jeremy since he was a baby. If he needed a diaper change, I did it. If he needed some [discipline], I did that too! I knew that if something were to happen to me or Vicky, the town would be without [this cornerstone] business that so many have grown to love and my employees would be without jobs. I couldn’t let that happen.”
It didn’t take long to strike up a deal with The Willis’s and soon they were exchanging ideas, making plans for the future and feeling hopeful and renewed with the new venture. “Jeremy is sharp and motivated.” One can imagine the relief that Paul would feel, knowing that for years to come, what he worked over 50 years for, would not be lost. The community can rest assured that the same customer service and reliability will continue at Western Auto.
“God willing, I’m not going anywhere soon and will be here to make sure our community is taken care of, to the best of our ability,” said Raines. You will still see him at the store, working hard alongside his new protege. “We have new and exciting things coming up” and welcome anyone to look to us for all their automotive needs.
You can find Western Auto at 32 James River and Kanawha Turnpike, Rainelle, on Facebook or by calling 304-438-7102. Business hours are Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The shop is closed on Sunday and Monday.
