Lockett, or Mr. John, worked as a custodian for Sand Hill Elementary School in Carroll County, Georgia, WTHV reported.
He started working for the Carroll County School System after he left a career in construction.
"He's at work every day, no matter how bad he feels with a smile on his face," Principal Carla Meigs told WTHV.
He’s like a grandfather for most of the students at the school, Meigs told the television station.
"These kids mean the world to me," Lockett told WTHV. "I come here and try to clean their school and I try to do it right because I know germs and disease is out there."
On Friday, they surprised him with “Mr. John Day,” complete with a crown and cape for him to wear and the students calling him “the king.”
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Lockett walked the halls of the school, collecting cards from students.
Despite health issues that should have had him retire earlier this year, he told the principal he wanted to make it to the end of the year, WTHV reported.
While he considers those at the school family, he will be able to now spend more time with his grandchildren.
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