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ANGELS IN OUR MIDST

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - In just a few days, Albertson's will close and Publix will move in.

For a lot of people, the Albertson's on 9th Avenue in Pensacola has been much more than a neighborhood grocery store.

It was part of the community...And the man in charge, was more than a manager, he is an Angel In Our Midst.

In some way, he has touched each and every one of their lives. That's why they've come to say "thank you" to a man who's been a true friend.

Voice of Monroe Watley; Started here when I was 16 years old. And we came back to run the store. We've been around for a long, long time...32 years.

And Monroe Watley hasn't just been around all these years, he's been "about" making a difference...

Mike Wiggins, Pensacola City Council; Everytime you walked into this store, he was a great manager but he was also one of the best people persons you will ever, ever meet.

He kept the company out front with donations to almost every school and civic organization and sponsorships that kept some community events alive.

Ray Palmer, Pensacola Sports Association.; The Pensacola Sports Association has had a very long relationship with Monroe and Albertson's.

He always said, we want the opportunity to help out where we can. And that is huge in this environment in our community.

Marty White, WXBM Radio; Besides the man's got a heart as big as this world, the man's got the fanciest pants you'll ever see anybody in....

No, Marty, he's never taken himself too seriously when it comes to a good cause.

Marty; Anytime you need something, you call Monroe. Anytime anybody needs something, you call Monroe. Monroe's just good people. He ain't right, but he's good people.

Monroe; It's not something you do for this kind of recognition. It's something you do because it's the right thing to do.

Donna Fassett, ARC Gateway; Over the years, he's done so much, not only to help ARC, the organization, but individuals with disabilities.

Gail Pennington, Grocery Bagger; He'll help with us getting a job or something.

Monroe; They're just like you and I. They want to have a job. They want to have a purpose in life.

Because Monroe gave Gail an opportunity to work 11 years ago, she was able to buy something she'd only dreamed of.

Gail; I got my own house. Oh, yeah, it was great. It was bigger. No roommates. No, uh uh.

Monroe; Oh, I was so excited for her. I couldn't stand it. Now, at the same time, flip side of the coin, I'm worried for her because of the situation that we're in. But, fortunately, I think we were able to find her a job.

While the shelves are emptying, Monroe is overflowing with emotions and memories; the community is filled with gratitude.

Monroe; I'm sure that I'm probably going to cry when I lock the door for the last time.

Gail; Oh, I'm gonna miss Monroe.

Donna; We just wanted a chance to say, thank you. Thank you, Monroe for many, many years of support.Angels In Our Midst (Monroe Watley)

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