Long-time Utah Walmart greeter Thane Telford went back to his store on Thursday, but this time he was across the parking lot as an ex-employee—fired, he said, just the day before.
Friends and family joined him waving to customers and members of the Payson community who drove by and honked horns in support of Telford, known as the “hat man” for dozens of colorful hats he wore, decorated by his wife Lillian.
I’ve got a hurt feeling,” Telford said of his Walmart dismissal. “But on the other hand, I’ve got so many people who are backing me.”
The former miner, welder and horseman developed a legion of fans in 14 years of waving and saying hello.
“He’s always so kind and happy,” said friend Tracy Jarvis, sentiments echoed by passersby.
“He’s just the sweetest,“ said one mother with family in her car. “I loved going to Walmart just to see which hat.“
“My kids would absolutely look forward to his smile,“ said another mom. “They loved those hats.”
Telford kept up the waves and smiles while standing on a curb, but a daughter said the firing—the first time he said he’s been fired for any job—left him “crying and humiliated.”
KUTV spoke to the store general manager and sent an email requesting comment to a Walmart corporate spokeperson. Both said they do not comment on personnel matters.
‘I’ve got a hurt feeling’: 84-year-old Walmart greeter says he was abruptly fired from job (KUTV)
Telford said he can still do the job, and said he told Walmart management not to let him go.
“I have too many friends,” he said.
He also said he needs to work to pay for Lillian’s cancer treatment, and pre-pay for his own burial. As of Thursday evening, friends contributed nearly $7,000 to a GoFundMe on his behalf.
Telford said he might or might not go back if Walmart reconsidered, but when the time is right, he wants to leave on his own terms.
His approach to the job, with his wife’s help, has been simple.
We decided together we needed to get a little more entertainment,” he said, “a little more laughing out of people.“
Source: kutv.com
