business
Nashville mechanic still rebuilding engines and working full time, celebrates 95th birthday Tuesday
By Robb Coles at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
At 95 years old, John Larkin is still showing up to work every day and he wouldn't have it any other way.Larkin, a mechanic known around the shop as "Papa John," spent his 95th birthday at one of his favorite places in the world to work."Papa John is what they call me," Larkin said.The staff at ...
Key takeaway Larkin, a mechanic known around the shop as "Papa John," spent his 95th birthday at one of his favorite places in the world to work.
Why this matters in The Nashville
John Larkin's dedication to his work as a mechanic is a testament to the strong work ethic that defines many Nashville residents. His story also highlights the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer in the local business community, as he shares his decades of experience with younger coworkers like Michael Kelly. As a member of the Nashville Speedway Hall of Fame, Larkin's expertise in rebuilding engines, particularly for fast cars, is a valuable asset to USA Motor & Machine and the city's automotive scene. His ability to continue working and contributing to the local economy at 95 years old is a remarkable example of how age is not a barrier to productivity and passion. Larkin's choice to keep working also underscores the need for inclusive and supportive work environments that allow seniors to continue contributing their skills and experience, a topic that is likely to resonate with many Nashville businesses and residents.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? At 95 years old, John Larkin is still showing up to work every day and he wouldn't have it any other way.Larkin, a mechanic known around the shop as "Papa John," spent his 95th birthday at one of his favorite places in the world to work."Papa John is what they call me," Larkin said.The staff at ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robb Coles at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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