Local News - August 2003

Manager retires after four decades

A goodbye to grocery

By AMY WADSWORTH, LTN Staff Writer

Long time Winn-Dixie Manager, Arlie Davis, 74, retired yesterday after 44 years of service.

“I am going to miss the people, but I am looking forward to a little rest,” Davis said. “I am looking forward to doing whatever I want to do.”

Davis began his career with Winn-Dixie in 1959, in Lincolnton, when there was only a small store on Main Street.

Since then, Davis has been a part of the opening and closing of several stores within the city.

“The first store I opened was where Lincoln Bank used to be and where First Charter is now,” he said. “I then proceeded to open the two stores in Boger City and I opened the one where I am now on N.C. 27.”

There are now only two Winn-Dixie locations in Lincolnton, both located on opposite ends of N.C. 27.

“The business was growing and we had to expand,” he said. “That is why the business on Main Street and the one in Boger City closed.”

Davis has now been manager at the west branch store for nine years.

He said he has too many memories from all the time that has passed.

“Lincoln County has been supportive of us and we appreciate it,” he said. “I have a world of friends here. I always say if you don’t see your friends when you are going to a grocery store then you are going to the wrong one.”

He said being a grocery store manager has been very rewarding.

“I have seen the business grow over the years,” he said. “I have also seen all the new customers.”

Bob Norman, Jr., who works part-time at Winn-Dixie, said Davis is the best manager he’s ever worked with.

“He is so truthful with you,” Norman said. “If you do something wrong, he’ll tell you, which is good because you need to know that.”

Norman said he will miss having Arlie around as manager.

“I hate to see him go,” he said. “All the customers think a lot of him.”

Emily Boyles, Winn-Dixie dairy manager, said he is a great man.

“I have known him since 10th grade and I am 26 years old now,” she said. “He is a hard working man; he gets down on his hands and knees.”

Norman said he sees Davis morning and night at the store.

“His whole life is the grocery store,” he said. “He is very dedicated.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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