Arkadelphia man celebrates working at local thrift store for 50 years, showing ability in disability

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – One Arkadelphia man has worked in the same store for 50 years, and though he has seen lots of changes, his love for the job remains.

Ricky Wright approaches every day with a positive attitude. When you walk through the doors of the Beehive Thrift Store, you’re greeted by Wright, his friendly smile ushering everyone in.

Wright started working at the store when he was 18.

The store is a part of Group Living , a non-profit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide employment opportunities, a day program and more.

“I thank the ones who got me to the Beehive,” he said.

Hitting his half-century milestone this month, early in his career he worked the register, talking with customers and keeping a watchful eye on the store.

“Customers would come up and they’d say, ‘Oh I wish I could have this like a low price, no I have to talk to the store manager,’” Wright said.

He loves the work environment and his co-workers, especially one in particular.

“I have a lot of friends, and I still got my friend Donna,” Wright said.

Wright is a local celebrity and everyone knows him.

“They say, ‘Where have you been,’ and I say, ‘I’ve been around.’ They say, ‘Well I haven’t seen you in a good while,’” Wright said.

Through the years, he saw changes and hard times.

“I used to work every day but when COVID hit, I had to go stay at the day program,” Wright said.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed things for everyone, but what didn’t change was Wright’s determination and spirit. He wanted to get back to work as soon as he could.

“I just love being with all the clients, staff and being with all the customers,” Wright said.

Now he’s back in his usual spot, making everyone smile with his infectious laugh and showing everyone that a disability doesn’t define ability.

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