After firestorm over his job, Marion Walmart greeter's happy to take on new opportunity - WLOS

MARION, N.C. (WLOS) — A longtime Walmart greeter will remain at his store after all in a new position. Jay Melton, who has cerebral palsy, has accepted a job as a host in the self-checkout area of the Marion Walmart.

The decision came after public backlash after Jay was told greeter positions are being eliminated at stores nationwide.

"I'm overwhelmed. I mean, I knew I was loved, but I didn't know I was that much loved," Jay told News 13.

Outraged customers started an online petition to save his job, which drew more than 18,500 supporters.

The company said it was taking steps to support greeters with disabilities. That includes offering those impacted new jobs at their respective stores.

While some people wear their heart on their sleeves, greeter Jay Melton's worn his on his vest for almost 17 years.

"Proud Walmart Associate," he said, reading the text on the vest he wears to work. "I thank God every day that I got me a job at Walmart."

Jay has a neurological disorder, but what truly defines him is a smile bigger than any retail giant.

"I mean I've got a good personality and stuff," he says.

"When Jay meets you he's gonna remember you," his dad Jim said. "But he just touches peoples hearts. He's always smiling he always speaks to their kids."

Jay needs a little training but expects to be at his new position by the end of April. He jokes about why he gladly took the new opportunity.

"I don't want to be here at home all day with him," he laughed, looking at his father.

"Thanks Jay," his dad replied.

Jim's proud of his son's impact at the store.

"He is just a people person and Walmart has been good for Jay, but Jay has been good for Walmart," he says.

Before his son took the new position, Jim got a call from the manager at Lowe's who'd seen Jay's story on News 13.

"And he said it just pulled at his heartstrings," Jim said, tearing up. "I get emotional."

Both Lowe's and Waffle House offered Jay employment, but his first choice was always Walmart.

Years ago, the chain had this greeter at hello. Seems like yesterday he got a seasonal job at the store with Santa and never looked back.

"Well he's a nice man obviously," Jay said of St. Nick.

Over the years Jay's rubbed elbows with politicians like George W. Bush and Mitt Romney, but he gets far more joy seeing his friends at Walmart.

"I get to see people I graduated with and get to meet people," he says.

I think it's wonderful," his dad said. "Ever since he went to work for Walmart, he's loved every day of it."

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