Janyce Karcher, who was born and raised in Kerrville, Texas, spoke with Fox News Digital while waiting for her husband, a retired firefighter, to meet her at Billy Gene’s. 

“This was much worse than what we have ever experienced in our entire life here in Kerrville,” Karcher said. “Even the flood back in 1978 we had almost 20 inches of rain, but it did not do the destruction and we did not see the devastation that we see here today.”

Karcher has faith that Kerrville will get through the disaster thanks to its “tight-knit community.”

“We are Kerrville strong. We’re gonna overcome this,” Karcher told Fox News Digital.

Debris from the flood behind Billy Gene’s in Kerrville, Texas, on July 7, 2025. (Rachel Wolf/Fox News Digital)

Smith is no stranger to the devastation of the floods. She showed Fox News Digital debris behind the restaurant, including a picnic table that she said was not there prior to the flood, despite landing in an upright position. Smith said that they are trying to sort through items in the debris to return them to their rightful owners.

While Billy Gene’s was not damaged in the flood, a staff member lost everything. She said Billy Gene’s is providing the employee and her husband with a place to stay and covering their food costs.