Theodore George "Teddy" Solomon Sr.

Theodore "Teddy" George Solomon, Sr. of New Orleans, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 7, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old. Son of the late Najeeb and America Solomon, Teddy was born in Port Arthur, TX on January 5, 1920 and grew up in McComb, MS. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration before serving his country during World War II as a member of the Army Air Force. After the war, he returned to McComb, MS and married Doris Julia Carwie of Mobile, AL in 1949. They and their six children relocated to New Orleans in 1969. Teddy's rise to become a pioneer of the film industry began as a child when he worked in the silent movie house built by his father and uncle. In 1948 he entered the family business, forming Gulf States Theatres. In his seven decades in the movie business, Teddy owned and operated every kind of theatre, from indoor single screens, to drive-ins and stadium-style megaplexes. A true example of the American Dream, Teddy worked hard his entire life, growing his family's single movie house into multiple theatres and drive-ins spread across eight states. In 1975, he was elected president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, where he led the reform of film bidding practices that continue to shape the industry. Teddy began the Louisiana Film Commission, the entity that would ultimately help establish Louisiana as "Hollywood South." During a lifetime worthy of the silver screen, this son of a Lebanese immigrant built a theatre empire, sharing his immense love for the movies with countless others. But for all of the success he had in life, marrying Doris was Teddy's greatest honor. Equally well-known for his philanthropy, Teddy (affectionately known as "T.G." by his friends and family) supported several important local and national organizations, including the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, Variety Club, and the Will Rogers Institute. He was happy to share his wealth in many different ways, from his endowment of the Solomon Victory Theatre at The National WWII Museum, to his gift of the popular train ride at historic New Orleans City Park. When Teddy wasn't working at his businesses or civic efforts, he enjoyed Lebanese food, playing host to celebrities, dancing and fishing. Teddy was honored to receive a host of awards during his storied career, including his selection to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame (1993), New Orleans Man of the Year (1996), ShowWester of the Year (2004), Junior Achievement Lifetime Achievement (2004), and the Ogden Museum Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) to name only a few. He also reigned as King Hermes XLIX (1989). He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. Teddy is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Carwie, and six children: George Solomon (Karen), Gloria Carter (Stephen), Gladys Brown (Jim), Glenda Bradley (Jim), Gary Solomon (Martha) and Glenn Solomon (Margaret). He also is survived by sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. T.G. was preceded in death by his two sisters, Yvonne Solomon Thomas and Gloria Solomon. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held at the Church beginning at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in METAIRIE CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, 54296 Louisiana 445, Loranger, LA 70446, or to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, 10045 Riverside Drive, Third Floor, Toluca Lake, CA 91602. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com.