Rich Old Man Dresses as Homeless and Visits Huge Grocery Store to Determine His Heir

When Mr. Larry Hutchins, the wealthy owner of Texas’ largest grocery store chain, turned 90, he realized he lacked a will—and an heir. Despite his success, Mr. Hutchins had never married nor had children, and the thought of his legacy going unclaimed troubled him deeply.

Determined to find a deserving heir who valued hard work as he did, Mr. Hutchins devised a unique test. Disguised as a homeless man, he ventured into one of his own stores to see how he would be treated by his staff and customers, hoping to identify someone who exemplified the virtues he held dear.

His disguise was effective. As he shuffled through the aisles, he encountered disdain and rudeness. Employees and patrons alike dismissed him, some with harsh words, others with outright hostility. The store manager and security were called to remove him, citing complaints from customers and concerns about the store’s image.

Just as Mr. Hutchins was about to lose hope in his quest, a young store assistant named Lewis intervened. Lewis, aware of his employer’s philosophy but unaware of his true identity, stood up to his colleagues and offered Mr. Hutchins kindness and respect. He not only defended Mr. Hutchins but also assisted him in shopping, paying for his groceries out of his own pocket.

Impressed by Lewis’s integrity and compassion, Mr. Hutchins revealed his identity and later rewarded Lewis by making him the sole heir to his estate. In his will, Mr. Hutchins explained his choice, citing Lewis’s actions that day as a perfect reflection of the values he hoped to perpetuate with his legacy.

Mr. Hutchins’ story illustrates that true character is often revealed in how one treats the least fortunate. Lewis’s simple act of kindness not only earned him an unexpected fortune but also ensured that Mr. Hutchins’ legacy would be carried on by someone who truly embodied the principles he cherished.