LEE COUNTY, GA (WALB) -
Pain and sorrow filled the faces in the crowd outside A&J's Food mart on US Highway 19 as they reflected on their friends the Patels and their lives.
Friend and customer Jaqueline Williams says,"I'm torn in the inside, it doesn't matter his nationality he was a friend."
A large crowd gathered outside Hemang and Alpa Patel's store to share their stories on how they loved the store owners as family. The Patels were shot Monday in their North Carolina home in what police call a murder-suicide.
Williams says, "Ham was a great person he loved everybody, and he was a character. He would do anything in the world that he could, for any body."
And by the looks of the crowd of dozens supporters, many others felt the same.
Williams says, "He was just good to anybody in the community, anyone that I meet have the same story."
Hemang, known as HAM to loved ones, and his wife were known as charismatic and friendly making everyone feel welcome inside their store.
Morris Williams says, "His wife always called me big money, "what are you up to big money'?"
And as each candle was lit, a memory of their impact in the community was represented. A community of people of all races, ages, and demographics.
Morris Williams says, "They were just a group of people that just loved everybody, they didn't show any division among people."
David Chesire says, "He is represented out here by all nationalities: young old black and white. And it is just amazing the out pour and support for his family from the community."
As a community says goodbye to a dear friend.
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