Pauline started working at the fast food chain in 1978
Pauline Richards(Image: Len Copland / Western Daily Press)
Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for a Taunton woman who was renowned for holding the world record as the longest-serving worker at KFC. Pauline Richards became a beloved figure in the community since she started flipping burgers back in 1978, known for her unwavering commitment and sharp wit.
Pauline began her tenure at the eatery as a cleaner to lend a hand to a mate who had just landed a job there. From then on, she’s dished out over six million drumsticks and showed no signs of hanging up her apron just yet.
In a chat earlier this year, she shared: “It all depends on what my body says. I have been lucky I keep well. I haven’t had much illness in my life.”
The Spud Shack, another local Taunton restaurant, posted an emotional homage to Pauline, stating: “We, as many of the town are mourning Pauline from KFC. She was the world’s longest-serving KFC employee.
“She will be very missed by everyone in Taunton. Pauline was very well known in the town for her dry sense of humour when dealing with people who were a tad intoxicated!”, reports Somerset Live.
Townfolk have been sharing their cherished recollections of Pauline, with one chap recalling: “Banned me in the early 80s…..KFC stopped doing ribs….. I was drunk and not having it. RIP Pauline”.
Others reminisced about her keeping order among rowdy teens in the joint, with someone noting “She never took any messing” on a bustling Friday or Saturday night. Meanwhile, another person recalled her stern warning: ‘behave or no chicken’.
Another commented: “Oh no! I didnt know she had passed, how sad, but she left a legacy and will be remembered by many. AND she gave me a free gravy once! Bless her we were a nightmare to her in our youth! She took no nonsense!”
Folks have been calling her ‘a legend in her own time’ and a ‘lovely lady’. There’s even been a chap suggesting that a statue should be erected in her honour in town.
KFC has been approached for comment.