LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A beloved Walmart employee known in the Shelbyville community for always spreading joy has died.
The Shelby County Coroner's Office confirmed Luke Morris, 50, died over the weekend. According to his family, Luke died in his sleep and they believe it was due to his heart.
A Walmart spokesman issued the following statement Monday:
“Luke brought joy to so many customers and associates during his career at Walmart, and we are truly heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was an influential member of the community and he was especially proud of his volunteer work with local kids.
We are working with Luke’s family and will share details on plans to celebrate his life soon. Additionally, resources are available for associates during this difficult time.”
If you ever visited the Walmart on Taylorsville Road, chances are you ran into Luke or saw him pushing carts in the parking lot.
WHAS11's Brooke Hasch interviewed Luke back in February after a post about his cheerful demeanor went viral in a community group on Facebook.
"[Luke's] always bringing smiles to everyone he comes in contact with," the post read. "I can't even imagine how many people Luke has seen come through the doors at Walmart. It's been 18 years for me and Luke still remembers me and we always catch up whenever I see him there."
He had been an employee at the Walmart in Shelbyville for over 30 years and started working there when he was 16 years old.
Luke told WHAS11 it wasn't hard to come in every day with a smile on his face; "You just gotta keep up with it," he said.
On Sunday, the store posted about Luke's passing and called him "a pillar" at the store.
"We are in shock and heartbroken over the news," the store said. "Please keep his family, his Walmart family and his friends in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days and weeks to come."
According to his obituary, Luke was known for having overwhelming love for the Shelbyville community.
He volunteered with the Shelbyville Fire Department and helped with the WHAS Crusade for Children for over 30 years.
Luke's funeral is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. at the Shelbyville First Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Aug. 17 at the Shannon Funeral Home from noon to 8 p.m. and on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The family has asked that expressions of sympathy be made to the Crusade for Children.
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