David Greene receives his retirement cake from People Lead Susie McKnight surrounded by his family of Wal-Mart co-workers.
By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Few people stand taller in the eyes of their co-workers than David Greene.
The 66-year-old Chiefland Wal-Mart Super Center employee was showered with hugs, kisses, and handshakes from fellow employees Friday as he closed out a 30-year career at a retirement party.
Greene started his working life at Levy ARC in Otter Creek, but that was so many years ago that few people knew him back then. The late LARC Director Betty Walker was aware David was a hard worker.
She contacted Wal-Mart and told the company about his work ethic. Wal-Mart hired Greene and he proved to be an extremely reliable employee pushing shopping carts from the parking lot to the store in all kinds of weather.
On Friday, Valentine’s Day, the store gave Greene a cake, a plaque and a 30- year pin celebrating a lifetime of work at the store. He was moved to tears as a room filled with Wal-Mart associates applauded him.
Store managers brought everyone that could be spared to a break room for Green’s fond farewell. Some employees were required to remain upfront to keep the store running, but everyone knew David and respected him. It wasn’t difficult to find people who wanted to be part of the send-off.
Susie McKnight, People Lead from Wal-Mart Human Resources, said she has worked eight months at the Chiefland Wal-Mart, not nearly as long as many of Greene’s friends at his retirement party, but she knows he has character.
“I know what kind of person he is and how he interacts and how much he means to everyone. He is a good man,” McKnight said.
McKnight said she has had the privilege of experiencing how David communicates privately when he has something important to say or request, as he did before his retirement event started. He called her out of the room to say he was still interested in tickets for Disney World. McKnight said a trip to Disney World can happen but she has to make sure he is able to make the trip and must discuss it with his caretaker first.
“He can get the tickets through here. I haven’t talked to the one who takes care of him to see if he can even go, so today was the first time I’ve had a chance to meet her,” McKnight said.
His caretaker, Eileen Capp, was asked to describe Greene. She responded, “He’s pretty cool.”
Some employees can’t imagine what it will be like without Greene working in the store. Mina Lowe was one of them.
“I just miss him when he’s not here. I don’t know how I’m going to handle it when he’s not. When I come in he remembers everybody. It’s not like you’re just another face to him. He hasn’t seen my grandson in years and every time he sees me, he says, ‘How’s Erik,’” she said. “My daughter, she had cancer and every time I came in he had to pray for her. She passed away with cancer, but you know, he knows everybody. It’s not like you’re just another face to him. You’re a friend. I see him with customers all the time – can I put groceries in your car. He just loves doing it. You have all these kids using the electronic cart pushers; not David, he does it the old way. He enjoys it. He never complains whether it’s hot or it rains. The young guys can take a lesson from him.”
Diane King remembered Greene from the old Wal-Mart.
“I’ve known him since he worked at the other Wal-Mart across the street. He’s awesome. He’ll be missed,” she said.
Howard Shinkle presented Greene with a boxed stuffed with things he knows Greene can use for entertainment in his retirement.
“I worked with Dave for 22 years plus. It’s been wonderful. He’s a joy to be with, he really is. He knows I like pirates and animals and there’s pirate stuff in here and animal books. There are mini babies. He’ll love it,” Shinkle said, turning to Greene to shake his hand. “We love you man.”
Lisa Shinkle said she has worked with Greene for 25 years at Wal-Mart.
“It’s not going to be the same without him. We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve looked out for him and I’m happy to have known him. He is an amazing person,” Shinkle said.
Clowie Oatley described Greene as being a joy to work with.
“Ever since my first day, he’s been a total joy to be around. He makes everybody’s day. He’s just amazing. He’s like the happiness in this place,” she said.
Christian Garcia said Greene has integrity.
“Mr. Dave is the hardest working man I know, also the kindest, blessed with integrity,” he said. “I’m glad to have met him and I’m glad he’s having a safe retirement.”
Jacob Ware, who has been Greene’s service manager for about a year praised Greene’s work ethic.
“He is definitely the hardest worker I have ever seen just about in my entire life; he puts his heart and soul into this job. It’s hard to see him go; it’s good to see he’s going to get some rest and be able to do the things he wants to do. I really hate to see him go but he’s going to be happy that way,” Ware said.
Jamie White and Joe Odom were awed by Greene’s work ethic.
“He’s outworking those young people out there in all weather,” Odom said.
White offered a similar description of Greene.
“He is a hard worker, but he puts a young person to shame,” she said.
Candace Boorum had nothing but praise for Greene.
“I think David is the greatest. Everyone here just loves him. He always has something to say to everyone; very nice, and he knows everybody. We’re all going to miss him,” she said.
Robert Boden, like other employees, marveled at Greene’s work ethic but added that Greene would also try to make employees feel better if they are having a bad day.
“I would like to say that David has really been a hard worker up here for 30 years. He is still able to get these carts. If anyone is in a bad mood, he’ll come in and put a smile on your face by asking you, ‘Hey, I need to speak to you alone for a second,’ and then he gives his best; that’s you Dave,” he said turning to Green.
Mike Poppe thanked Greene for being a great co-worker.
“I’ve known Dave for about nine years at Wal-Mart and he has been an absolute pleasure to be around and to work with. Thank you for your service,” he said, turning to shake Greene’s hand.
Though Greene is retiring, he remains closely connected to Lighthouse Word Church where he is a longtime member. Church members were present for his retirement party. They will continue to be a part of his life.
“David’s been a blessing. He’s been faithful. He’s reliable. He’s a blessing to our church and surely Wal-Mart is losing a good man. We love him,” said Walter Turner, a pastor at the church.
Turner’s wife, Jane Turner, said the church loves him.
“I know David will have a good retirement. He’s worked hard and we love him,” she said.
Lighthouse Word Church Pastor Carol Kearns said Greene has been faithful.
“David’s been with us a long time, as long as I can remember. He feeds our fish; he’s so faithful; he loves everybody and everybody loves him. I’m excited about this new chapter in his life,” she said.
Misha Beebe, a member of the church, said Greene is sensitive to the people around him.
“For the two years I’ve been going to the Lighthouse Word Church, he’s been an awesome friend. He constantly looks around to make sure he greets everybody when he’s there. I make sure when I come in to say hi during the week. It just makes both of us feel better. He’s awesome, really awesome,” Beebe said.
Posted February 14, 2020
