I lost everything to FIRE,,,,,

[bsteele]

Donnie, I saw Buck the other morning at subway and he told me about the fire. Man I hated to hear that. I first asked him if y'all were ok and then asked about his truck. He told me no one was hurt and his truck was out for paint. I still remember coming up there to letter the racecar when you and Mikey were racing together. I can't imagine what it is like for you right, but remember everything will work out. Let me know if I can do anything.
B STEELE

[treveiger]

My father in law lost a 73 cuda in a fire. He's had more fires in his life that most family's will for a a few generations... You can tell it sucks when he talks about it. I'm sorry man but thank goodness for insurance.
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[Andy4639]

Man I'm so sorry to hear this. I haven't been to active on here of late and just saw this. So sorry man I know the stuff can't be replaced but at least no one was hurt. So sorry.

[69C-owner]

Thoughts and prayers go out to you and always remember that things for whatever reason happen for a reason, sometimes the absolute worse thing can happen and slowly something good can come out of it, I know nothing good can come from a fire and you'll never be able to replace family things but im sure you'll have a shop put up soon and be right back in the swing of things with a truck or two to tinker on and i bet your dad is proud
Posted via Mobile Device

[67swb72klb]

sorry to hear it is very sad to lose all those memorys keep your head up

[69C-owner]

Originally Posted by BIG ORANGE

I wasnt gonna go here in this matter but after reading all the replies and being moved by the out pouring of suport in so many different ways I must tell this lenthy story:
Back in the winter of 2003 I walk away from my faith, I went back to my old ways of sin. In 2007 I went through a divorce and in 2009 I met a lady that I thought was the love of my life. 2 1/2 yrs later that relationship ended at my request. Many months before the end of the relationship I was out cutting grass and talking to God, I ask him how would I ever make it back to the cross? I was in a sinfull relationship with a lady(not married) and I spent alot of time in my shop drinking and doing other things that I'm ashamed to say (sin) I loved my shop but not only was it where I built alot of trucks it was a place to drink alot and do other thing's! Well Dec. 4th my relationship ended and she moved out and just acouple weeks ago my shop burned to the ground while I was at work and my son was at school. And where am I going with this? Well let me wrap it up for you,,,,,
I found my self without any excusses now but I also found myself very lost and empty with out direction. I started talking to God again, well last Sat nite I got my cell number changed cause I wanted stop some of my past from contacting me, I sent my new number to a biker friend of mine that goes to a biker church. Sunday morning he replied that he got my new number and was praying for me and would like to invite me to church that morning! Well I took a look at what all was going on with me aswell as my son 17, so I ask my son if he wanted to go and he said YES that we needed that! I was supper supprised at that comment, so we got ready and went to the biker church where we were met with open arm,s! As the feller was doing announcements and taking prayer request I raised my hand and begin to ask for help in the form of prayer for myson and I, well after I started speaking I just broke down and began to weep and the next thing I new I found myself down in the floor crying out to God for forgiveness and I felt all these hands on my back and head alot of voice's crying out to God to bless me and my son also! After what seemed a life time but was only moments I arose to my feet and turn around and there was my son right behind me in the same shape as I was earlier and he to had ask God to forgive him also!!
Things happen for a reason! I stuggeled with posting this cause I know we all have different belives and I tottally respect all of your's but after reading alot of what my brother's here were saying in the post I felt lead to open up from my personal life and share! I hope this helps someone,s that out there and in pain from living the life that I was before all this.
I'm taking things 1 day at a time.
Sorry so long!
God bless
Donnie Snipes

Donnie I have never talked with you on here and I hate that reading this thread is how I've come to know you but this post I'm quoting brought me almost to tears, I know the pain u feel of past sin. I was homeless, smoking pot, dating a piece of trash to put it nicely and had a made up hatred of my parents who were begging me to come home while the supposed girlfriend was living in a dormroom going to a nice warm bed every night. It took time and lots of mistreatment and alot of pure love from family, well all of that and getting sober to see that I was slowly killing myself and all the relationships i had built. Before i came to the realization i had to begin my life again i had almost taken my life, all because of the life i chose and the mindset that came with it but slowly thru friends family the beautiful women im engaged to now and simple small things in every day life i found my new life and god. Well I guess thats the short of it, plz call me at 423 505 9291, I have no spare parts to offer that I can think of but i would like to have a conversation with you and if u ever pass thru the chattanooga area know that you have a free 24/7 roadside assistance board member waiting to help
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[R.L.]

Damn. I'm sorry.

[BIG ORANGE]

Well guy's not much to update, it's been 3 weeks and the only thing I've seen or heard from the insurance company is that a adjuster came out last Mon, to look at the remains of what used to be a shop, my agent talls me to relaxes that there going through the process and that everything will be fine and to not worry! On a good note Mr King the shop owner where my son's truck is at, has made room in his own carport to keep Buck's truck out of the wheather. Also thanks to the love of the truck forum's member's the parts that where to finish out his truck are comming in daily. I went over to Mr King's shop w Buck yesterday and have a complete list of what is left of what was destroyed in fire.
God is still blessing and lives are being changed through this fire, it has really blowed my mind............
I will post that list on the parts section of the board,
Thanks again
Donnie/Buck

[mpotts64]

There is a different set of memories being created through this ordeal - those belonging to your son. He will always remember how you have handled this situation with grace and dignity and the personal changes you have made. Just as you have the memories of your dad, this is a whole new set of memories for you son. So sorry to hear about your loss and sometimes we have to get a few miles on down the road to be able to look back and make sense of things. May the Lord continue to bless you. I have basically been a lurker on this site for about a year. My wife will come in and asked what I am doing. I tell her looking on this site to which she has no response. I asked her to sit down and read this whole thread the other night. She read your testimony and teared up, as did I. Now she understands why I come here.

Just a big thank you to all on here for being the standup people you are. This is still a good country with many whole-hearted people!

[shawno72]

You are never out of Gods reach, you may be of His path but never out of His reach. One thing that I have learned is if you put things before God and God is trying to reach you He will remove those things in order to get to you. One other thing I have learned is if you give those things to God and put Him first, He will give you those things back with blessings! Walk with God and He will restore what was lost.
Posted via Mobile Device

[sir_talk_alot]

its amazing guys, it truly is, to see just how many hearts are left out there, most of us dont even know donnie, and yet you can truly see from reading this whole thread just how much people care. most of us are so busy we forget to think of what others go through, and its humbling when you realize what others have to deal with. ive been following this thread for about 2 weeks,posting a few times, and pm'ing you. it has really touched me. donnie, im supposed to be getting a parts truck soon(ill see if it works out, may not) and if i get beat to getting the parts needed for your boys truck, then i will gladly start looking for dale earnhart stuff and other items to help with the re-decoration of your new shop. if we get your sons truck all the parts it needs to get back on the road, i guess we can concentrate on your truck and stuff for your shop, although we cant replace your memories, sure can help make new ones.

[sir_talk_alot]

btw, ive noticed people putting comforting scriptures.

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to YOU. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones- James 4:8

[BIG ORANGE]

With tear's running down my face your word's bring truth and bring comfort!
God bless you guy's!!!
Donnie/Buck

[prostreetC-10]

I know it's touchy because this site, like all the others, has to try and keep God and Politics out of it to try and be somewhat neutral. There has been a lot of folks referencing him though and I think that is great. It is he that lead me out of alcoholism. I think a lot of people picture Jesus as this meek individual but I really believe he was The Original BadA$$ for what he endured. Please don't EVER forget that JESUS DIDN'T TAP.........and neither will you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JRANGER]

My prayers are with you as well and I hope everything works out for you!

[BIG ORANGE]

UPDATE,,,
Well a StateFarm rep came into my store where I work and brought me a check for my 2007 Harley Davison Wed.s and the adjuster that is handling my shop called today and is sending out a check for my shop and another check for the demolishen of the the remains after the fire! Now I have to do the task of finishing the content's list and then we can wrap it up and decide the next step to take. I would like to take this time to also thank all the fine member's of the board that came to the resque of the 69 that almost was victum of the fire also. Sadly only the parts to finish the 69 were burned and the truck itself was saved!
Donnie/Buck

[Car'n'Guitars]

I'm very sorry to hear this, I hope everything works out for you.

[Truck Hippy]

Oh Orange, I'm so glad everyone is ok!! Hold on man, we are here for you and your son!!

[sir_talk_alot]

Great to hear! i have found a few things to replace stuff for the shop walls, soon as i get a few more things ill ship it your way.

[JRANGER]

Glad to hear they are starting to send stuff your way...

[brad_man_72]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad the insurance company has acted so quickley. THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS SITE! The world needs more people like the members of this site.
Posted via Mobile Device

[BIG ORANGE]

Things happen for a reason, I dont like losing our shop and all the memories that the building held but I do like the change in my personal life and the difference in my son! God bless all of you board member's that stood by us in everyway. Hopefully in the future we can post pic.s of the 69 truck of my son. Not a priority at this time as Mr King the shop owner has offered to keep the truck in his garage at his house untill we get straighten out here at home w the remains of the the shop.
Thanks again
Donnie/Buck

[CC69Rat]

Didn't you say you were a big Dale Sr. fan ? I think I may have some decoration for your new shop too ! It's a 20x24 (if I recall) picture of the old Lumina on pit road at Daytona. It's at the house somewhere I'll see if I can find it.

[ed2552]

Big Orange, I skipped to the end here, but I am very sorry for your loss. My grandpa's shop and grainery burned down in 2007, with many valuable antiques and a life-time's worth of memories and collections inside, and he is just finally getting everything as he likes it again.

I hope you get a fair settlement from your insurance, and that you are able to build and move on.

God Bless.

[Jobe72]

I fear for this very thing at my shop. Maybe I missed it but did they figure out what happened? Sorry for the loss, wish I had some parts to offer up for help.

Good luck with the recovery.