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For more than 15 years, Jay Melton has worked as a greeter at the Walmart in Marion where he always welcomed customers with a smile and a friendly hello. But now Melton, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, may lose his job because the retail giant is changing the requirements.

On Friday, Melton’s niece Keely Melton posted on Facebook about what is happening to her uncle. He’s been a highly regarded greeter at the old Walmart on U.S. 70 West and then the current Walmart Supercenter on Sugar Hill Road.

“He has been a staple of the Marion Walmart through two locations and over fifteen years,” she wrote on Facebook. “I received a call this morning which stated that in sixty days, my uncle would no longer be an employed greeter at Walmart of Marion. Keep in mind, this is not just Jay. Thousands of other greeters will be out of a job soon as well. The job that Jay has cherished so much for so long will be cruelly taken away from him. He may not be able to do some things, but one thing he can do for sure is a big “Hey y’all!” and a hug - his JOB. Jay is such a big personality and does not deserve any of this.

“He has EARNED this job. Do not let it be taken away from him. Please take a minute and pray for my family, especially Jay. Also, take a minute and pray for Walmart because Lord knows they’re going to need it after this.”