Community rallies around Payson Walmart greeter who says he was fired

PAYSON, Utah — He was known for his big hugs and creative hats as a greeter at Walmart and now the community is rallying around the elderly man after he says he was fired from his job.

“I worked 40 hours a week,” said Thane Telford. “I enjoyed it for all the time I worked here.”

Telford, 84, worked for 13 years at the Payson Walmart. He frequently donned festive hats that his wife made to match the season or holidays.

“They said, ‘We’re going to have to let you go,’” Telford said.

Telford said he was recently asked to retire but opted to keep working. He said he was then fired on Wednesday for swearing at a customer, an accusation he denies.

“I’ve never used bad language,” Telford said. “I guarantee you, I’ve never told anybody a swear word or a cuss word—nothing.”

KSL reached out to management at the Payson Walmart and also the corporate office for a response to Telford’s description of his termination.

“We do not discuss personnel matters,” a statement from Walmart’s media relations department said.

Friends and family quickly created a GoFundMe* to show support for Telford and his wife, who recently battled cancer.

“He loved his job and all his co-workers and especially all of the customers,” the GoFundMe description said. “This account was created to show how much the community loves and appreciates Thane.”

The organizer of the GoFundMe said they are asking for community members to donate $5 to show appreciation for Telford to help with medical bills and other expenses.

“We’re just so touched by what a good human he is,” Tracy Jarvis said.

Telford still wants to work. His friends are hopeful other companies will want to hire him.

“He’s a legend. He does not deserve this,” said Radawna Day, who lives near Telford in Mona. “He lights up everyone’s day.”

Telford said he was devastated to lose his job. He’s now looking for other ways to connect with his friends.

“It’s the people that I work with and the people who come into the store that I love,” he said. “I’ll have to go out in the street with my new hats on and do a dance for them.”

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*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.