Written by Montgomery J Granger @mjgranger1
Living independently and working full-time with cerebral palsy, Spann Cordle, 66, has inspired thousands in his rural Northwest Georgia community to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. “Being disabled is not a closed-door option,” Cordle said. “Perseverance and determination can open any door if wanted badly enough.”
In 2007, Cordle made Walmart history as their first employee allowed to work with a service dog (Finn, a black Labrador retriever), paving the way for hundreds of disabled associates who found jobs due to his success. Cordle and his service dog were featured on the cover of Walmart’s national in-house magazine and invited to the annual shareholders’ meeting in Arkansas.
In February 2023, Cordle was honored by the City of Summerville, Georgia, for his work promoting disability awareness. Hundreds gathered to celebrate the installation of special public artwork featuring portraits of Cordle and his beloved service dog, Finn.
An extremely popular Walmart checkout host, Cordle never fails to put others at ease. His engaging personality and ever-present smile have made him a sought-after presence in the community, a platform he uses to promote disability awareness.
Cordle is a former probation officer with the Lookout Mountain Judicial District in Northwest Georgia. He earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and public administration from Jacksonville State University but now enjoys a slower pace overseeing the self-checkout lanes at his hometown Walmart.
Despite his accomplishments, some people fail to see beyond his wheelchair. “It’s nice that they let you work here. Do they pay you?” he’s been asked on occasion. In response, Cordle summons his kindness, understanding, and love for people as he deflects the conversation away from himself and directs his customer to what they need in the store. “What can I help you with today?” he replies.
Cordle has always changed people’s perspectives on disability. His grade school classmates enjoyed their friend’s happy playfulness so much that his limitations did not register. “My parents raised me the same as they did my older brother, Lann,” he said. “They never treated me as different or disabled, never talked differently around me.” Cordle attended elementary school riding his red tricycle. He built his strength through swimming and by walking on crutches while sometimes using a wheelchair when needed. He successfully completed driver’s education alongside his high school classmates.
“I was raised to believe all things happen for a reason,” Cordle said. “Call it what you will, but we are given our crosses to bear according to a divine plan that we aren’t privy to or intellectually able to comprehend. So, to use an old cliché, we must play the cards we are dealt and make the best of what we have been given. I’m nothing special, just a man as countless others, trying to make day-to-day advances. God, according to my faith, does not make mistakes.”
Currently, Spann is promoting a Give Send Go campaign to replace his former service dog, Finn, who died a few years ago but was instrumental in helping to keep Spann independent. Service dogs cost around $20,000, and there’s a long way to go! Any help you could give for the cause would be greatly appreciated by Spann. Thank you!