r PAYSON — Central Bank honored Arnie Beddoes for the positive impact he’s had on the Payson community by presenting him with the Central Bank Good Citizen Award at an open house on September 21 at Central Bank’s Payson office.
Beddoes was born in Payson in 1947 and has lived there his whole life. Beddoes always has something funny and interesting to share with others. He loves to talk about Payson, learn about people and make them feel like part of his family. Beddoes and his wife, LeeAnn, have 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild on the way.
“Payson has always been a good place to grow up and have a family,” said Beddoes.
After high school, Beddoes made a career as a miner. Starting in 1965, Beddoes worked in several mines, including the Burgin Mines near Eureka. He loved mining and the close friends he worked with for so many years. When the mining industry declined, he began exploring other options.
Beddoes has fond memories of the “old” Payson with the stores on Main Street and the fun vintage cars. In high school, Beddoes worked at the American Service Station at the end of Main Street. This job sparked Beddoes’ love for old cars and increased his desire to run a gas station. Consequently, Beddoes opened his own convenience store on March 3, 1994, popularly known as Arnie B’s Chevron.
For 22 years, Beddoes sponsored a car show and cruise annually in September. Each year, an auction was held and the proceeds were given to the Community Action Food Bank. Unfortunately, he had to forego the event the past two years to manage some health challenges.
One of the most rewarding parts of Beddoes’ business is the associations he’s made through the years with customers and employees alike. Observing the trials, struggles, joys and accomplishments of others as they live their lives and pass through the convenience store has been very rewarding for Beddoes. He has a great love for people.
