Homefolks U.S.A.
Hi folks,
We are sorry to announce this past week Homefolks U.S.A lost one of our regular readers: Mr. Thomas Riley.
Not long ago, Thomas and I had a real long talk about our city and his many years working at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company here in Russellville. It was a good conversation, and Thomas shared many stories about Russellville – he loved our city – and the great years he had at the Coke plant. He made many friends there, and he took his job very seriously.
It’s one thing to work on a job and be unhappy for many years, and it’s another to enjoy your work. Certainly Thomas enjoyed his work and had many wonderful things to say about his years with Russellville Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Our condolences go out to the family of Thomas Riley. He will certainly be missed by all.
This story brought to mind another person who worked as a helper who delivered drinks to all the stores throughout our county.
I believe this was the Pepsi Company, and the gentleman that I am referring to was my good buddy Billy Woods.
Billy was a helper. He assisted the driver of the truck, who I believe was Ted Reynolds. Billy was a very hard worker, and he was almost in a run when he would come by the Frank Guthrie Oil Company to make a delivery. He was always courteous, and that was a trait that followed Billy all of his life.
My first job was with Guthrie Oil Company, and many good memories can be recalled during my days working there. I learned a lot from Frank about customer service.
One thing that sticks in my mind is this: Frank would always tell the employees to park in the front of the store, not blocking the gas line; his reason was people like to drive in a place where a lot of traffic can be seen.
Another one of Frank’s sayings was “Always walk to the window of the car and say ‘fill it up’ – good lessons from a good friend.
I don’t see the service from many places today that was available during those years, but I still believe it works. I remember well a slogan that was present on a sales book that we used for taking orders. It read: “Business is sensitive. It goes where invited and stays where it is treated well.” I have always tried to make this a reality at Bolton Furniture. Believe me, it still works.
Thomas, Billy and Frank have all departed this life, but the good memories we have of each will always remain with us.
Til next time,
Your friend,
Bobby
Thought for the Day
Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss or dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt by the heart.
