Butch Marion, 82, from Cumberland, Maryland was finally able to retire after the success of a GoFundMe page calling for donations to help him.
As of today, the fundraiser has received $171,011 (£137,102.94) from over 6,7000 people since its creation in late 2022.
Struggling with the cost of living, the 82-year-old was working as a cashier in a Walmart in Cumberland.
Besides being a Walmart employee, Mr Marion is a Navy veteran, a father and a grandfather who hopes to see more of his family in Florida after this gift.
As well as this, he shared how $171,011 (£137,102.94) sum means he can stop working and pay off his home.
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Speaking to Fox 5, Butch said: “It’s just a blessing. It’s a miracle. I can go (to Florida). I’m a bird out of the cage.
“I’ve got nothing but my utility bills. I’ve got time to sit by the river and fish and do that type of thing. Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart. I mean that sincerely.”
The main fundraiser was started by a local businessman who was moved by Mr Marion’s story.
Roy McCarty, 53, is known around Western Maryland for his bug extermination business but also went viral in promoting Butch’s GoFundMe.
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After coming across a TikTok of someone trying to raise money for the 82-year-old cashier’s retirement, Mr McCarty decided to help out and start a fundraiser
The business owner explained: “I just wanted to put something in motion and the Lord did the rest. I went to Walmart, got some batteries and boom: I ran into Butch.”
On the GoFundMe page, Mr McCarty said: “I wanted to help this Navy Veteran to live the remainder of his years travelling to see his kids in Florida.
“Get him off his feet for eight hours at a time and do the things he would love to do that he may not be able to for financial reasons.
“Every penny will go to Butch. Janette, the daughter of Butch, has confirmed that I can withdraw the funds on behalf of her father and send them outside of GoFundMe.”
His viral TikTok of Butch working a shift at Walmart helped boost the GoFundMe page’s traction.
Within two days, Mr McCarty’s fundraiser had exceeded their initial goal of $100,000 (£80,172).
He added: “I’m just so excited for him. To see something like that for him. I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
