Louisiana man retires after 50 years with Coca-Cola

CHURCH POINT, La. (KLFY) — After 50 years behind the wheel for Coca-Cola, Larry Charlot is finally taking a well-earned break. But his retirement celebration was about more than just clocking out; it was a tribute to a lifetime of hard work, community, and unwavering dedication.

Charlot began his career with Coca-Cola in 1975, starting with night shifts and gradually working his way up.

“I started from the bottom, started working at night,” Charlot said. “Then worked my way to the top. Did everything over there. Everything I had to do, I was there.”

Over the decades, Charlot became known not just for his work ethic, but for bringing others along with him.

“I got a lot of guys from my hometown, Church Point, to start working there,” he said. “It was a family-related thing — it still is. I hated to go, but after 50 years I think that’s enough.”

From the days of unloading glass bottles by hand to driving 18-wheelers with ease, Charlot saw the industry transform and he kept up every step of the way.

“We used to have to deliver the Cokes with a dolly, take it off the truck and unload by hand,” he recalled. “Now they have easy pallets, they call it. I told them when I was in that truck, y’all couldn’t last one day with me; I’d have to send you home early.”

Though he’s officially retired, Charlot hasn’t completely slowed down. He still works part-time with the Church Point Police Department and is easing into this new chapter of life.

“I can stay up until 10 or 11 and not have to get up at 2 a.m. to be at work for 3 a.m.,” he joked.

Charlot’s advice to the next generation of workers is simple and heartfelt.

“Every day won’t be peaches and cream. You’re going to have some bad days, but you’re going to have more good days than bad. You’ve got to have a good frame of mind and get up to go to work every day. Have your game face on.”

As Charlot transitions into retirement, his decades of dedication and the legacy he leaves behind at Coca-Cola won’t be forgotten.

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