Local businessman Billy Manasco Jr. died Saturday.
For nearly three decades, Manasco owned and operated the Manasco Body Shop on Old Benton Road. His son Chris grew up in the business, helping and learning from his father.
Manasco survived the destructive tornado that ripped through Yazoo County in 2010. He literally arose from the rubble of the deadly storm with his family business and dream flat around him.
But he recovered and successfully brought the shop back from the ground up, and it continues to serve the community to this day.
“We’re back, and we’re gonna be here,” he said, shortly after reopening his shop six months after the tornado. “We are gonna be the best body shop you ever had.”
Outside of being a family man, most people remember Manasco for his time, work and dedication with his business.
Manasco always said the body shop was “his dream.”
His son Chris joined him in the shop at an early age, painting his first vehicle at 13 years old. Manasco always said he wanted to build something for his son to carry on.
Manasco said owning a business had its share of challenges. But the biggest challenge came in April of 2010 when the tornado tore down decades of hard work.
“In 30 seconds, that tornado took 23 years away,” Manasco said in an interview shortly after the storm. “It was the most horrible experience.”
Manasco was inside his home, adjacent to the shop, when the tornado hit. Clinging to his dog Jersey, he took shelter in his bathroom.
Manasco emerged from the rubble to find his home and dream business demolished.
But Manasco was accustomed to rebuilding things. Six months later, the body shop was up and running again. Manasco was also a member of Satartia Baptist Church.
Survivors include his son, Chris Manasco and his wife Jade of Yazoo City; granddaughters, Nora Lynn Manasco, Isabella Manasco and Knox Manasco; father Billy Manasco Sr. of Quitman; brothers, Gene Manasco and Donnie Manasco of Quitman; and a sister, Diane Saxton.
Manasco was buried at Desota Cemetery in Clark County.
