Theodore Kramer Jr.

1934 - 2026

Captain Theodore R. Kramer, USN (Ret.) passed away at his home on February 25, 2026, in Cornelius, NC. The son of the late Theodore R. Kramer Sr. and Estelle Ullmann Kramer, Ted was born September 28, 1934 in Greensboro, NC, but moved to Hickory, NC at a young age, where he was raised.

After high school, Ted attended Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL for one year prior to entering the US Naval Academy. A proud member of the Fightin' Fifth Company, he graduated in 1957 where he was initially assigned to the USS NEWMAN K PERRY (DD-883). He married Dorothy Wentz, whom he met in the 5th grade at Oakwood Elementary School, in 1960.

Ted had a long, successful Naval career as a surface warfare officer, spanning over 28 years. He had many career highlights, including several sea and shore command tours. Of course, with Ted's diplomatic skills and personable nature, he made lifelong friends and shipmates. During his career, he attended the United States Naval War College and earned a master's degree in international relations from Salve Regina University.

After the Navy, Ted was Lead Engineer, Lockheed Martin Corporation in Moorestown, NJ (the Cornfield Cruiser off the NJ Turnpike) and Head of the company's Fleet Feedback program. Ted loved to joke that during his time, the company changed hands several times, but he always had the same cubicle. He later became a consultant with Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc. and the Naval Sea Systems Command.

Ted was always an avid supporter of the Arts wherever he lived, volunteering his time and money to local theaters, libraries, and public radio stations. He donated close to 1000 teddy bears through the Theodore Roosevelt Association to eight children's hospitals in North Carolina. His beloved Dorothy and family and friends were at the heart of Ted's life, where his approachable and caring nature left an impact on everyone he encountered. He never met a stranger, and all it took was one meeting, and people considered him a friend. He was so genuinely interested in people and had respect for everyone he met.

Ted was predeceased by his youngest son, Steven, in 1983 (leukemia), and his wife Dorothy in 2025. He is survived by his three children and spouses, Ted III and Doreen; Kathryn and Steve; and Charles and Kieran; eight grandchildren, Steven (Beth), Margaret (Eric), Will (Julie), Emma, Jack (Nicole), Suzy, Mardy, Nix, and one great granddaughter, Adrienne.

A graveside service for family will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hickory, NC on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00am

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ted at the Davidson United Methodist Church, Davidson, NC on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 am. All are most welcome to attend.

Both services will be provided by Rev. James Humphries, Davidson United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WDAV at 209 Ridge Rd., Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28036 or the Mecklenburg County Library, two places where Ted volunteered extensively and thoroughly enjoyed doing so.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the family of Mr. Kramer.