Clarke Stackhouse | Shelby County Reporter

Headley’s Big Peach on exit 212 is a staple and tradition for many people traveling through the state.

An easy stop off I-65, owner Linda Cleckler said she has seen people from every walk of life stop at the shop.

Cleckler said Headley’s began as a little stand in the early ‘60s by Arthur and Ethel Headley.

It was just a little stand no bigger than 5 by 6 feet, Cleckler said.

It’s grown significantly, and I’m proud to be a part of that.

Cleckler said she and her husband, Jimmy, took over operation of the stand when the Headley’s began leasing it in 1974.

Linda said she and her husband both grew up working in the fields and she said she helped at farmer’s markets in Prattville, and started working with the Headley’s when they opened.

“It seemed like a natural fit,” Cleckler said.

We’ve been on this corner for 41 years, it’s a part of our lives.

She said they operated out of the little stand, expanding and adding on as needed until construction began on the peach water tower in 1992, and they had to move locations. They built and opened their current location in 1993 and have been selling local produce there since.

“We sell everything fresh and local,” Cleckler said.

We have everything from okra to peas, and of course peaches.

She said she is still surprised at what Headley’s has become and is blessed to have the public support they have had.

“We kept growing and growing,” Cleckler said.

I never imagined it would grow into this.

She said throughout the years the customers and purchases have changed, and they have had their ups and downs, but the feeling has always been the same.

“Fewer people buy by the bushel to can and freeze anymore,” Cleckler said.

So we’ve added products and adapted. We keep busy though.

She said one of her favorite parts of owning Headley’s has been meeting people, greeting people and getting to know them.

Cleckler said she has regulars who come down every year on their way to the beach

and stop by. She said a man from Tennessee calls when they open to see what they have and makes trips to purchase their produce. “We get customers from everywhere,” Cleckler said.

Some of them I couldn’t tell you a word they were saying. I’m sure they thought the same about me.

Headley’s Big Peach is open every day April through October from 8 a.m.-6p.m.

Cleckler said Jimmy is unable to have heavy involvement with the store due to ailing

health, but she plans to be there as long as she is able.

“As long as I am able to, Lord willing, I will be here working as much as

possible,” Cleckler said.