PACE — Ron Littleford turned his Publix bagger job into a career of 33 years, the last eight of which he served at the Pace store.
This Saturday, Littleford retires at just 49 years old.
Publix allows Littleford to retire at a relatively young age — most people retire at 65 — because of the store’s success, he said.
That’s fueled by Littleford’s dedication.
Littleford is not a Santa Rosa County resident, but he makes the drive from his Niceville home — 60 miles each way — because he loves the store, he said.
His love for the grocery industry, however, began more than three decades ago.
Bagging groceries was Littleford’s first position when he started at the Publix in Lehigh Acres, Fla., on May 7, 1983. He said conversations with his managers led him to see career opportunities with the company.
Becoming store manager, Littleford said, was his goal when he turned 18. Originally, he said he wanted to be in the buying department with corporate, but later felt interacting with customers and employees as a manager was more rewarding.
So is watching those employees develop in their careers.
A number of employees found long-term jobs under Littleford. He said he’s hired several when they were 16 and looking for work — now, some are managers in the store.
Another key to the Pace store’s success is its community involvement.
Through supporting the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, teachers’ luncheons, and providing food for the Santa Rosa County Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, Littleford said, “We try to be supportive of the community.”
Such efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Rev. Murray Hamilton, of Heart of God Church, who helps organize the prayer breakfast, stopped by Publix on Monday and thanked Littleford for the store’s support the past six years.
As thank-yous and goodbyes are said, and Littleford’s time at the store comes to a close, there’s just one thing left: post-retirement life.
Littleford said he plans to spend more time with his family. He has a 22-year-old, Jordan, at the University of South Carolina, and he has a 9-year-old son, Jake, whom he’ll be able to see more.
He said he wants to get involved with Jake’s baseball team, and enjoys fishing and golfing with both his sons.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pace Publix store manager leaves 33-year career