The service station at the top of the hill in this quiet town looks benign.

The sign over the front door reads, “Bobby Wilson.” The store carries the usual goods such as cigarette lighters, candies, beef jerky, sodas and gas.

But early Saturday morning the harmony of a small town was jolted, leaving the town not only trying to come to grips with the assault of one of the town favorites, but also opening their wallets.

According to reports, gas station owner Bobby Wilson was brutally assaulted and robbed early Saturday.

The Baldwin County Violence Crimes Task Force was organized Monday to assist in the investigation.

The Spanish Fort Police department held a press conference Wednesday, according to Trey Dickson, an investigator for the Baldwin County district attorney’s office.

He said an award was going to be offered by the “Friends of Bobby Wilson” fund.

Spanish Fort Police chief David Edgar was unavailable for comment.

Wilson is a ‘sweetheart,’ said Janice Cheatham, who was at work on Monday at the station

“He is having a tough time now,” she said, adding Wilson recently underwent surgery to alleviate swelling of the brain.

“It was pitiful and uncalled for,” said Sandra Byrd, manager of a Summit gas station. “Mr. Wilson is good people.”

Byrd said she has been cautioning her employees to be watchful. She tells them if they see someone who is acting suspiciously call the police.

“When somebody comes in and does something like this, and so brutal, it scares you,” said Glee Rainey, manager of a BP station, who has worked on the hilltop for eight years.

Thomas Donald “Don” Grace developed a friendship with Wilson back in the mid-1960’s when he would purchase gas from the station, and they lived in the same neighborhood. In 1978, Grace’s brother was killed and it was Wilson who came to his house to give him the tragic news.

“We go back a long way,” Grace said.

Grace’s wife, Angie, visited Wilson’s wife, Joanne, on Tuesday morning. Angie Grace said Tuesday Wilson was still listed in critical condition at the intensive care unit and was unconscious and heavily sedated.

Don Grace’s main concern right now is his longtime friend’s condition,.

“Knowing the fighter that he is, he will be back,” Don Grace said.

At Wilson’s service station, the phone rings constantly, neighbors trying to check in, hoping for a good report.

Bobby Lazarini, a friend of Wilson’s, took off work Monday just to help out at the station. There has been a steady flow of well-wishers making out checks to “Friends of Bobby Wilson,” or donating with credit cards or cash.

According to Lazarini, by mid-morning on Monday around $35,000 was deposited into an account which will be used to help the victim’s family and assist law enforcement in catching the perpetrator.

“Bobby always gives and steps up,” Cheatham said, adding she is not surprised by the outpouring of affection from the community.

She has worked at the station for seven years and said Wilson has always done a lot of fund-raising for the community — now it’s the community’s turn.

“We care about Bobby and we want to find out who did this. We want justice,” said Chad Gwin, with donation in hand.

Editor’s note: The Spanish Fort Sun goes went to press early-Wednesday. Some of the information printed may have changed regarding Bobby Wilson’s condition. For up-to-date information, please visit www.baldwincountynow.com.