'Piggly Wiggly no more': Beaufort resident shares his thoughts on store's closing

Thanks to James A. Watson Jr. of Beaufort for sharing his poem about the closing last week of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket at 1900 Boundary St.

The store closed after seven decades in Beaufort, and 27 years at the corner of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road.

The Piggly Wiggly supermarket in Port Royal remains open.

Watson often writes free-verse poetry, including others about local businesses and one about President Barack Obama's election, which he sent to the president.

He thinks his urge to write may be a belated gift from his late father, known around town as "Papa" Watson.

"My father was an avid writer," Watson said. "He wrote letters to the editor. He always spoke his mind."

"Papa" Watson had what he called the Itty Bitty Pet Farm on Lady's Island, which his son said had deer, cows, chickens, pigs, ducks, guineas, raccoons and a monkey named Judah that a Marine had gotten in Vietnam.

"My father cared a lot about helping kids," Watson said.

"Piggly Wiggly"

By James A. Watson Jr.

History made a time to end,

Oh! How sad the day to see no more

Piggly Wiggly pride, purpose, dedication.

So strong you gave.

To smile, to know of your history

Piggly Wiggly no more to see.

People all over came to serve

A salute to all who gave.

Not only a building to see,

Always a friend, Piggly Wiggly.

Needs close at-hand

Walk

A smile to get there

An end.

Visitors in town for needs close, Piggly Wiggly.

Conversations in moments to give,

Friends with stories will still live.

Changes come as we know,

No more Piggly Wiggly store.

An empty space

We'll miss you

As we go by the spot.

Piggly Wiggly history

Will always be in our hearts.

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This story was originally published March 2, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "'Piggly Wiggly no more': Beaufort resident shares his thoughts on store's closing."