Collier County man cherishes Ace Hardware dream amid health struggles

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Ron Marks of Collier County is fulfilling a unique bucket-list wish with the support of his community and a local Ace Hardware store. Marks spent the day greeting customers at the newly opened store, highlighting how small gestures can hold significant meaning.

"Well, your time here is limited. You never know when it's going to end," said Ron Marks, reflecting on his experiences.

Marks, who is facing serious health challenges, described this opportunity as a dream come true.

"Things like this, you would not even think about, right?" said Marks.

While some might dream of traveling the world, Marks has a different perspective.

"You'd think, well, I want to go to Europe, or I want to go to China. We've done all that. So this is kind of a bucket list, just a normal kind of bucket list thing that you would say, you know, that would be fun to do," he said.

Marks enjoys spending time at Ace Hardware, a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by his wife.

"Because I like hardware. She always accused me of hanging around Ace Hardware all the time," Marks said.

Store Manager Adolfo Lopez shared his reaction to being part of this special moment.

"Ron came in today, his wife came in to see me, and said he was having some health issues. And on his bucket list was to be an Ace Hardware greeter," said Lopez.

Lopez found the request unusual but meaningful.

"I was like, that's crazy. That's weird to have to be a greeter. I guess everybody's got different things that they probably have on their bucket list they want to do," he said.

Marks emphasized the simplicity and sincerity of his wish.

"Because it doesn't cost anything. It's just all pure out of the heart," said Marks.

In Collier County, this story is a reminder that sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest impact.