The story of an elderly Tennessee man being forced out of retirement after his wife lost her job is taking the nation by storm.
The retiree, Richard Pulley, was working as a DoorDash driver when he caught the attention of customer Brittany Smith. Moved by how difficult the task was for Richard, Brittany sprang into action by tracking him down and starting a GoFundMe account.
“My name is Brittany and I am setting up this go fund me for Richard. Richard delivered Starbucks to my home via door dash and it was evident from the video this was a task for him,” she explained in the campaign description. “With the help of social media I was able to track down Richard and learned he does DoorDash due to his wife being fired from her job (at no fault of her own) and by the time they pay their monthly expenses plus purchase their medication there is nothing left. Let’s help Richard go back into retirement!!”
“I work because I have to. I don’t really want to. I was actually retired, but my wife lost her job at no fault of her own, which also means she lost her health insurance,” the 78-year-old man explained after being located by Brittany. “So by the time we pay our living expenses plus our medical expenses for our medicines, we have nothing left at the end of the month.”
NEW: Internet users have raised $280,000 for an elderly man who became a DoorDash delivery driver to help pay for his and his wife’s bills.
A Tennessee woman decided to take matters into her own hands when she saw the man delivering her Starbucks.
“I work because I have to. I… pic.twitter.com/qWIXG8ZzSt
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 12, 2026
The GoFundMe campaign has been wildly successful and the money continues to pour in — as of this writing, the total stands at $538,210.
The elderly Tennessee man we posted about last night now has over $400,000 in donations.
This cam after he was recorded delivering food to help cover medical bills cause he was forced out of retirement after his elderly wife lost her job….
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) March 13, 2026
Turns out, Richard’s wife assists in the deliveries by driving the car — they’ve been married over 56 years.
“It’s just really difficult to believe that there’s that many people that are that generous to try to help us … People that don’t even know us,” Richard told WSMV after learning of the GoFundMe account. “We appreciate every one of them … it’s taking a lot of pressure off of us … and making life livable once again.”
“Sometimes you just look at all the things that you need to pay … because if it don’t, you’re going to end up in the hospital … with something even more expensive than that,” said wife Brenda, who has costly medical bills to deal with.
Suffice it to say, Richard and his wife will likely be free of any financial burdens and can enjoy their retirement. At the same time, the story delivers some positive vibes at a time when there is so much negativity in our lives.
Here’s a sampling of responses to the feel-good story, as seen on X:
This actually so inspiring. I love stories like this. This is part of the DNA of America.
— Gentry Gevers (@gentrywgevers) March 12, 2026
This is the America we love, one where a Ring camera clip turns into a miracle. Let’s make sure we keep building a country where our seniors can actually afford to rest.
— Capitol Pressure (@CapitolPressure) March 12, 2026
This story has gone viral because it highlights the “invisible poverty” among America’s elderly. Driven by inflation and insufficient social security, many seniors are forced into grueling gig work well into their 80s. The massive response to the fundraiser shows a deep public…
— Tutor Eunice_LN (@tutorE_LN) March 12, 2026
Meanwhile, we are buying $3m mansions for immigrants who hate us and try to blow us up. This makes my blood boil.
— Suki’s Butler (@Sukis_butler) March 12, 2026
This is the America we all know and miss. Kick back Richard. We got you. 🇺🇲❤️
— Down South Patriot (@kneis816) March 13, 2026
And then we have illegal aliens coming here being handed everything for free while Americans were until they drop dead. He should open a Somali Daycare in MN or Hospice in California. He’ll be a millionaire and won’t even have to watch kids or have a real hospice.
— BluntForceTruth (@TexasLibertyAF) March 13, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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