The only son of a Walmart security guard who was shot and killed by a shoplifter at a store in Margate Friday is mourning the loss of his father.

Christian Jhon, 20, said his father Luis Jhon, was a retired New York City Corrections officer and long-time Walmart employee. He said his 49-year-old father worked after retiring because he wanted to.

"He was a hero. He was always wanting to help. He was a guy who wanted to help people," Jhon's son said.

Jhon wasn't even supposed to be at Walmart Friday, according to his son. It was his day off and he was picking up a co-worker.

But when he spotted a would-be shoplifter, his instincts kicked in.

Security video shows Jhon confronting a man who police said was trying to steal packs of undershirts.

"Knowing my dad, he most likely said that this isn't worth it," Jhon's son said.

The man pulled a gun anyway. He shot Jhon in the chest, according to his son.

"How could anyone do that to someone who was so good? So heroic? Someone who didn't deserve it. How could someone just pull out a gun and shoot someone?," Jhon's son said.

The shooter was found blocks away with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and was dead when detectives arrived. As of late Sunday, his identity had not been released.

Jhon's son remembers the last time he spoke to his father.

"The crazy part is, he called me an hour before he died to tell me how he loves me. And all I have now are saved voicemails from him telling me he loves me. Pictures and memories is all I have now," Jhon's son said.

The family of Luis Jhon is planning a wake for Tuesday. The funeral is expected to take place Wednesday. Details were not immediately available.