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April 14, 2026 — Publix honored Atlanta Division Customer Service Staff Bill Rourke with a 2026 Mr. George Community Service Award at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Long before beginning his career with Publix, Bill demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting others and strengthening his community, which he credits to the people he’s spent his life with.

“I was incredibly fortunate to have had great parents who were both caring and generous,” said Bill. “And my bride, Lynne, is my partner in all my endeavors. We are approaching 61 years of marriage!” 

Bill began volunteering with Advocates for Children in Cartersville, Georgia, shortly after moving to the Atlanta Division over 20 years ago. The organization offers safe housing and other support to children facing abuse, homelessness or other unstable living conditions.

“Over the years, I have developed wonderful relationships with customers who support my activities to the fullest,” said Bill. “They have supplied me with clothes, toys, bicycles, gift cards, blankets — you name it. Before the pandemic, my wife would also routinely cook meals to bring to the children’s shelter and other organizations.”

In addition to working full-time at Publix, Bill estimates that he spends a minimum of 22 hours each week driving to over a dozen organizations in the area, including Tranquility House Domestic Violence Shelter, Hickory Log Personal Care Home and the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter. He delivers items like food, treats, toys, paper products and electronics.  

“I spend my life behind the wheel of my car, but I’ve been so fortunate to meet the people I’ve met at various shelters, churches and pantries,” Bill said, adding that he puts over 11,000 miles on his car each year making these deliveries.

Bill said it means the world to him to receive the Mr. George Community Service Award. “His legacy of kindness, humility and community engagement makes him a truly deserving recipient of this honor,” Publix District Manager Joseph Nettles said. 

Bill is no stranger to earning accolades for his volunteerism. His previous honors include 2014 Advocates for Children Ambassador of the Year, 2017 United Way Volunteer of the Year, 2022 Volunteer of the Year at the Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter, along with official recognitions by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and Georgia State Parks. 

About Bill

Bill began his Publix career in 2001 as a grocery clerk in Hobe Sound, Florida. In 2005, he moved to the metro Atlanta area and began working at a store in Acworth, Georgia, and has worked there for the past 21 years. After holding various roles within grocery, he became a customer service staff in 2010. 

About the award

Each year, one associate from each retail division and one support associate are recognized with the Mr. George Community Service Award. The associates are actively involved in their communities and represent the generous spirit of Publix founder George Jenkins.

Other award recipients

Bill joined the rest of this year’s recipients.