Robert Doughton Tedder, age 88, of Tedder Road, Sparta, NC; passed away Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at Rose Glen Manor in N. Wilkesboro, NC.
He was born Dec. 9th, 1932 to the late Letcher and Pearl Wyatt Tedder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Wilma Andrews Tedder, three brothers--John, Glenn Smith and L.V. (Ted) Tedder and three sisters, Madge Tedder, Jessie Tedder Taylor and Ann Tedder Joines.
He is survived by his son Robert (Bobby) Tedder and wife, Carol, of North Wilkesboro, his daughter, Debbie Bare, and husband Greg of Sparta. Also surviving are the three wonderful grandchildren that were the joy of his life: Kim Tedder Shepherd and husband Eric of Hays, NC. Nancy Tedder Anderson and husband Jon of North Wilkesboro, NC and Garrett Bare and his significant other, Katlyn Miller, of Sparta. Three great-grandchildren also survive: Elizabeth and Eli Shepard and Jonathan Thomas (JT) Anderson. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law: Bain Andrews (Betty) of Millers Creek, NC and Dennis Andrews (Connie) of Statesville, NC. Several nieces, nephew and cousins also survive in both the Tedder and Andrews families.
Doughton was raised on a farm in the Wolf Branch community of Alleghany County and attended Wolf Branch School. He was fortunate enough to have a thirty-seven year career in manufacturing at Sparta Pipes and while still working at the Pipe Factory, he attended Wilkes Community College evening classes for auto mechanics in the late 1970’s. He fulfilled a dream of having a small garage near his home and enjoyed doing minor auto mechanical repairs in the evenings and on weekends at his proudly owned, Tedder’s garage.
Doughton and Wilma enjoyed traveling…mostly bus tours; however, their trip of a lifetime was a three week driving trip to the western part of the U.S. in the early 80’s. He never forgot many details of that trip and spoke of it for the rest of his life. Doughton and Wilma also enjoyed square dancing and were “regulars” at the Alleghany Jubilee for many years. After Wilma passed away in 2011, Doughton was able to continue living at home with some assistance for several years and was then blessed to become a resident of Rose Glen Manor Assisted Living in North Wilkesboro for the last two and a half years of his life. Doughton received the highest quality care, love kindness and friendship from the entire Rose Glen staff and residents.
Graveside services to honor the life of Doughton will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, May 1st, 2021 at Sparta Cemetery with Reverend Bruce Benton officiating. No formal gathering of visitation will be held.
Due to the pandemic, the family requests no food or visitation at their homes.
The family would like to extend thanks to so many people for their love and support over the years. First to his nephew, Tommy Joines, and his niece, Jackie Bates…who enjoyed countless hours of telephone conversations with their “Uncle Doughton.” Also, special thanks to Pastor Bruce Benton (former pastor at Sparta Presbyterian Church). Bruce came into our lives when Doughton was recovering from a hip fracture in 2012 and he never left our family’s side during good times or family strife. Many thanks to Rose Glen Manor, Mountain Valley Hospice, Sparta Presbyterian Church, Thomas Family Funeral Service and a family of friends that have shared their love and support with us over many years.
While flowers are appreciated, you are also welcome to make a memorial contribution to the Alleghany Economic Development Alliance, formerly Sparta Revitalization Committee (SRC), PO Box 1020 Sparta, NC 28675. Doughton loved our beautiful mountain town and enjoyed seeing photos and reading articles about our renovations.
Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Tedder Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.
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