Theodore A. Chinn Jr.

THEODORE ALEXANDER "TED" CHINN, JR., a.k.a. K8SGY, of the Carthage community in Cincinnati, born July 7, 1934, departed this world September 5, 2025, at age 91, after a years-long battle with late stage cancer.

Ted's beloved wife of 32 years, Gertrude "Gert" Blankenship Chinn; his parents Theodore Alexander Sr. and Dorothea, his brother Robert, his sister-in-law Lillian Blankenship Ferrell, brother-in-law Donald Blankenship, esteemed friend Orville Clark, and others dear to him, all preceded Ted on that "Mountain Railway to Heaven,” a favorite song of Ted's.

Ted is survived by daughter Patrice Kinsley, grandsons Lemuel and Gabriel Morris, stepchildren Pamela Floyd, Angela Brown, Col. James "Jimmy" Lewis, JD, MDiv (children of former spouse Patricia), and stepchildren Pam Salyers, Theresa Norman and Greg Norman (children of departed wife Gert). Also surviving are Ted's dear cousins Joe Montgomery and Pecola Akins with her husband George, brother-in-law Doug Blankenship, and sister-in-law Hazel Foster. Ted is survived and cherished by many friends, including companion Mertle Hardy, neighbor Carl Woerner, Caroline Pence of Spartanburg, South Carolina, neighbor Linda Sharp, fellow church members Justine and Robert Lomax, Pastor Danny Byrd and his wife Brenda, incomparable neighbor Diane Jones, who accompanied and stood by Ted on frequent visits to the VA Medical Center as he battled cancer, confidant Tim Nolan, Esq.; fellow "Hams" Mike Fiori of Deer Park, Dave Calleau of Jackson, Michigan and others across the US and beyond, the teams at the VA and Hospice of Cincinnati, members of Highland Baptist and Carthage Baptist Churches and countless others.

Ted was born in and raised near Junction City, Kentucky, learning to repair cars as a teenager and leading to his certification as a master mechanic later in life. Proud of his African-American and Kentucky heritage, Ted overcame numerous obstacles in life, including a difficult childhood and discrimination he faced, which, in his own words, "I tried to overlook and leave it alone.” He added, "I tried to get along with everyone and I still do."

Also a proud Veteran, Ted enlisted in the US Air Force a week following his 18th birthday in 1952. Serving during the Korean War, Ted was deployed to Germany serving as a "radio intercept operator" monitoring Soviet aircraft, learning and relearning the Russian Morse code. Ted achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving the Air Force after his nearly four years tour of duty.

Ted returned after his service first to Louisville then to Cincinnati, where he plied his skills as a mechanic, working for the City of Cincinnati, and auto dealerships in and around the Millcreek Valley. Ted ultimately established his own business, Chinn's Auto Service, which he operated in different locations before merging in the 1980's with Regency Motors on Vine Street in Hartwell, a dealership acquired by wife Gert. Ted and Gert had also merged their lives by then, on Valentine's day 1980. "Gert 'n Ted” became inseparable partners in business and life, and Ted would earn high regard for his abilities and honesty among those the local automotive trade as well as with his many customers in Hartwell, Carthage, and neighboring communities.

Ted never lost interest in radio and soon obtained an amateur radio license after leaving the Air Force in 1956. He remained a passionate ham radio enthusiast for the rest of his days, meeting fellow "Hams" from places across the US and around the world.

Ted is also a capable guitarist, enjoying and playing genres ranging from rhythm & blues, to rock & roll, to country and bluegrass.

The Memorial Celebration of Ted's Life will be at Carthage Baptist Church, 1191 W. Seymour Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday October 11, 2025 11:00 AM followed by a Graveside Ceremony with Military Honors at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio at 1PM. Hodapp Funeral Homes is handling arrangements.