James Teeter

1947 - 2025

James (Lee) Teeter

November 15, 1947 - December 9, 2025

James Lee Teeter, 78, died Tuesday, December 9, 2025 after a period of declining health. Lee was born November 15, 1947, in Hickory, NC to Mac and Mary Teeter. He was a Hickory High School graduate and attended Carolina Military Academy before receiving a bachelor's degree from Gardner Webb College. He then joined the family's Pepsi business with time spent first in Spruce Pine and Asheville, NC before returning home to Hickory. He served as President and CEO of Pepsi Cola Bottling Co of Hickory, NC for more than 40 years. His life's work was marked by growth, expansion, and innovation.

Lee was a long-time board member at Carolina Canners Inc, board member for the Pepsi Cola Bottlers Association for over two decades, chairman of FOSCOM, chairman of the Carolina Pepsi Bottlers sales and marketing organization, and a builder of 6 Pepsi distribution facilities. Under his leadership Pepsi Hickory was one of the first to launch Diet Mountain Dew and Aquafina brands, single-serve plastic bottles, and the Geobox bulk distribution system in the Carolinas.

For his entire life, Lee was an avid outdoorsman. He learned to fish with his grandfather LP Frans. His life-long love of fishing took him all over the world from Mexico to Australia, Madeira to Costa Rica, and Midway Island to the Outer Banks. He also competed as an amateur on the FLW bass fishing tour for 10 seasons with multiple top 5 finishes and 2 seasons as a nationally ranked angler. Lee enjoyed supporting local sports at Hickory High and Lenoir Rhyne and watching his grandchildren compete at baseball and soccer.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Coco Teeter; daughter, Andi Banks and her husband, Michael; son Jay Teeter and his wife Megan; two granddaughters, Kate Banks and Avery Teeter; three grandsons, Will and Tucker Banks, and Owen Teeter; and his brothers, Frans Teeter and John Teeter, and John's wife, Diane; a nephew, Ben Teeter; and cousins Jeff Brady and Jean Patton and their families. Lee leaves behind many other family members, friends, and the Pepsi family he loved. Memorials in Lee's honor can be made to Hickory Museum of Art, First Presbyterian Church of Hickory, NC and Hickory High School Athletic Boosters. There will be a graveside service for family and friends with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.