UPS driver gets a heartwarming farewell after serving the community for 42 years

People often develop a special bond with their local delivery driver. Such was the case with UPS driver Ricky Woods, who captured the hearts of everyone in Sunset Hills, from adults and children to pets. When he announced his retirement after 42 years, the entire community came together to give him a heartfelt farewell, as reported by Sunny Skyz. The neighbors united to plan this surprise, celebrating Woods's decades of service. The neighborhood was adorned with signs and balloons to celebrate his kindness in every delivery. The signs read, "You're the best" and "We'll miss you, Ricky," among other things. Woods not only excelled in his role but consistently went above and beyond for his community.

One of the neighbors shared, "He's a hard worker. He's reliable. He does a great job, just an incredible guy. Everybody respects him a lot," per KSDK News. Over the 42 years of the UPS driver's service, much has changed in the technology used for delivering the parcels and vehicles they drive, but Woods's outlook towards his job has remained the same positive and good-natured one. The man told the outlet, "All of our trucks used to be manual transmission and they were very slow trucks. Now, all the trucks are automatic and they get up and go." 

After years of thriving with all the changes and helping the community, Woods was still not expecting the surprise that awaited him. He shared, "It was very emotional. I saw one sign and I was just like, 'What's going on?' Then I saw all the other signs and I saw a couple more with my name on it and my heart is full."

"My middle daughter was in a panic after her dress didn't arrive for an important event. We reached out to Ricky and without hesitation, he made a special trip to ensure she received her dress just in time," the neighbor told the outlet, reminiscing Woods's services. As the community gathered around to cut the cake celebrating Woods, almost the entire neighborhood had turned up to bid farewell, including a neighborhood dog who lovingly accepted treats from Woods. A lady expressed, "He goes above and beyond. I have never met anyone who cares and really loves their job and he really shows it. So we're going to miss him."

Several neighbors came up to shake hands and hug Woods and appreciated all the years of his service. A woman remarked, "It makes me think of the corner store owner that used to be here. You'd go in and they knew everybody in the neighborhood, they knew your family, that's Ricky." Another neighbor shared, "I had this frog that needed to be returned and I didn't have a sticker. I didn't have anything and he literally came back the next day, wrapped it up for me, wheeled it out and he is just amazing." The man would even engage kids and ask them about sports. To show gratitude for the countless things Woods has done for the neighborhood, the people gifted him a plaque that read, "In appreciation of your many years of dedicated service to UPS."