One Monticello Life: Ricky Owens
December 17th, 2006 by Carolyn
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the store
Shoppers were buying Coke products galore
With a spring in his step and a smile on his face
Ricky Owens is known throughout this place.
Ricky was born in Drew County and Monticello has been his home his entire life. He graduated from Monticello High School. His father hauled wood for lumber companies, but when Ricky was five years old, his father suffered a stroke and died. His mother, who was a housewife, was left to raise three boys and one daughter. Ricky was the youngest.
Like many Monticellonians, Ricky worked for Burlington for several years. It was there that he met his wife Vera. They have been married for ten years. Vera has two daughters of her own who live in Conway. Ricky has an older son who attends the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and daughter who lives in Georgia. Together, Ricky and Vera have a 10 year old son, Ricky Jr.
Ricky became the "Coke Man" in 1996. He stocked other stores with Coca-Cola products around town for a short period. But now he is Wal-Mart’s official Coke man. He enjoys working for Wal-Mart because he no longer has to fight the weather. He is in one spot all day and does not miss driving from store to store delivering Cokes.
On average, Owens stocks 400 cases a day. However, during the holidays, he may order up to 1500 cases. He’s kept extremely busy during holidays and works long hours to make sure the store is well-stocked.
His favorite part of his job as the Coke man is the people. That is why most people in town know Ricky. In between stocking the Coke displays and machines, Owens always has a smile and a warm hello. Even during this interview, several families stopped to shake his hand or share Christmas cheer.
"She sure is growing," Ricky told one family as they passed by with their new baby.
Starting around Thanksgiving holidays, Ricky experiences his busiest time of year.
"People are coming home for the holidays," he said.
There’s no reindeer and sleigh for the Coke man in town
No chimneys for Ricky that he must climb down
But I heard him exclaim as he stocked til midnight,
"Merry Christmas to all from this Monticello life!"
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One Monticello Life: Ricky Owens…
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Smiles are contagious when you see Ricky! I think he’s a really sweet guy that adds to the “walmart experience” and the Coke plant is lucky to have him.
Isn’t it great to know someone who always has a smile on his face!! Good story.
His smile can brighten up even the worse day and make you feel good. I have never seen him when he didn’t have a big smile and a friendly word for everyone. If only more of us were like him.
Wow! It’s so good to see Ricky’s smiling face on montiellolive.com. Ricky has never failed to smile, shake hands and ask how my family and I have been. It would be tough to find a more kind and sincere guy in town.
Ricky is a great guy! Whenever I see him, he stops whatever hes doing to talk to me and my family… Regardless of how busy he is, he takes time to care for people. As someone said before, he’s part of the Wal*Mart experience.
What a great person to pick! Ricky is one of the nicest people around. You couldn’t ask for a more sincere person.
Good choice! Thanks, Ricky Owens, for your smile!
I just ran into Ricky at Wal-mart and like always he was smiling and asking about my family. One great experience with Ricky stands out in my mind. I went to Wal-mart to buy several cases of Cokes for a Special Olympic event. Ricky not only loaded my buggy for me but also took them to the check-out stand then loaded them in my car. It is hard to find that kind of service. I’m sure both Wal-mart & Coca Cola are proud to have such a great employee.
Believe it or not, he’s the same at home. I love you Ricky! Your wife, Vera
I think that Mr. Owens is a perfect example of what an employee should be. Due to his professional demeanor I strongly believe that customers choose to purchase coke products although their intentions are to purchase another brand. I do not know if Mr. Owens is justly compensated by his employer but I surely pray that he be in the future if he’s not. I do not know of any one that takes the time to be so nice and helpful to their customers as Mr. Owens.
I am too proud of my stepfather. He is a wonderful person and he is always putting others before himself. This recognition is much deserved!!!! Congrats…Dad.
Love,
Tiffany
I love running in to Ricky when I’m at Walmart. He always makes me smile! He is always the same; friendly, happy and just a pleasure to be around. He really loves life and people – such as asset to our community.
There aren’t enough nice words to be said about Ricky!
What an impact Ricky has on so many people. He is truly an inspiration to us all. He is always cheerful and happy to see you and say hello. My boys just love him, “the coke man”. Thanks Ricky for all you do and the spirit you do it with!
Wouldn’t it be nice if every person you met in the stores was as nice as Ricky? I have never seen him when he wasn’t smiling and being friendly to everyone. Great guy!
Mr. Owens makes us feel like family whenever we see him. He carries on great conversation, all the while working hard at his job. As many times as we’ve spoken, we never knew his name. Now we do! He always puts a smile on our faces. Thanks Ricky!
My stepdad is incredible. I truly don’t know where I will be without him. Love Tes
Rickey you are the greatest!!!
I just want to thank you for being you. Keep on smiling, and keep that cheerful attitude.
Your Cousin Katie
Keep up the good work Rickey, Keep smiling I know that smile come from the inside.
Mae Simpson
Yep! Glad you’re part of the family.We love ya. From the Lucas family. May God’s overflowing blessings continue to be upon you and the rest of our family…
I Ricky around town when I am visiting. He is a great individual. Always positive. That’s what the community needs.
Ya know, it’s just like his wife, Vera says, he’s like a breath of sunshine when he comes into Wal-Mart. He’s got a spring in his step and he’s always smiling, greets you with a warm good morning, how are you doing? and helps anybody that needs his help. He’s a good “Coke Man” for the store. He knows his job, stocks his products well, and is always happy in doing it.!
Congratulations Ricky, Vera should be very proud of you, I know I”m happy you work cokes at Wal-Mart. God Bless you and your family.
Good luck Ricky I think you are the one I went to Monticello school with My name was Jean Ridgell.
Ricky can make you smile even on your worste days. His wife is truly blessed to have someone in her life as loving and kind hearted. Keep up the good work Rick!!
Your Godson (Tyerelle) from way back sends his love. We haven’t forgotten you and your family. Tell Vera we send our love too. Hopefully we will see you all next year. Big Huggs from us.
keep up the good work. man i sure could go for an ice cold coke right about now.
hello cousin i am proud of you and may god bless you. sending my love to you , vera & jr.
we love you cousin ricky.
Ricky Owens is a sweetheart. I was in Wal-Mart a couple of years ago picking up some items for a visting friend. I wasn’t given quite enough money to pay for the items she needed (the girl is parapalegic) and would not have been able to go to the store on her own. Ricky observed me stressing in the asile while I was mentally computating her purchases against the amount she had given me. Ricky stepped up and asked how much I lacked. When I told him, he dug into his pockets and provided the balance. Ricky not only has a ready smile for everyone he meets, he also has a kind and generous heart. Thank you for being you, Ricky!