Mexia, Texas (FOX 44) -- James Dawley, the owner of Sheffield Farm and Ranch Supply in Mexia, was shocked to hear his business which had been in the family for generations was completely gone.
"I actually bought this store from my brother-in-law, and he bought it from another dealer. I guess I've had it about eight years, and he had it 25 years before I did," says James.
Thankfully, a community member spotted the fire and immediately took action.
"He called the fire department, and said he saw smoke coming out of the back of the building. When I got there, just the back of the building was on fire," says James.
Matthew Dawley is James's nephew, who grew up in Mexia watching his uncle make friends with the community and build his career.
"It's hard to see something that you have watched over the years go up in flames in a matter of seconds. It takes years to build and only takes a few seconds to destroy," says Matthew.
This feed store has been in the family for generations, and was one of the oldest buildings in Mexia.
"This building was probably built in the 20s. The lumber and material in it was old and well cleared out and dry. So it went up real quick," says James.
Since the fire, the community has rallied behind the owners and taken off work to help clean up.
"I know they want us to rebuild, but I don't know whether we are not. It can be quite an undertaking. I've got to get this all straightened out first," says James.
For those who still need supplies, James says there's another feed store outside of Mexia eight miles away.