Coca-Cola Consolidated employee retires after 50 years

SALISBURY, Md. — Coca-Cola Consolidated celebrated Terry Joseph’ 50 years of service Tuesday afternoon.

Distribution supervisor Pat Holden said, “We’re here to celebrate Terry Joseph’ 50th anniversary at Coca-Cola, and we thought it would be fitting just to show him how much he was appreciated, because he is now retired.”

Holden shared what it means to say goodbye to his longtime co-worker and a beloved member of his work family.

“We’re like family because after a while you see each other so much. I mean, the good days, the bad days — but at least we know each other. We know how each other is going to move,” he said.

The man himself, Terry Joseph, said 50 years was always his goal — and he gave it 100% every day.

“It was very special because I’m gonna miss it. But, you know, I’m only a phone call away if someone needs talking,” said Joseph.

Holden said Joseph’ fortitude and work ethic made a lasting impact on the business. He added that Joseph is deeply loved and his legacy will endure.

“We wanted him to know that he’s still loved and that his legacy will go on for so long,” Holden said.

Joseph shared that he’s not sure what he will do with all the extra time.

“I’m going to find something to do because I don’t like sitting around the house,” he said. “I mean, me and my wife, we take day trips. But still, I need to find something that I can do on my own.”

As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, Joseph said, “I just want to say Coca-Cola has been good to me. I want to thank everybody that I worked with.”