Theodore James "Teddy" Thomas Jr.

Theodore James "Teddy" Thomas Jr., 62, of Nashville, Tennessee, formerly of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at 5:00 p.m. Friday February 20, 2026 at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville with his loving family by his beside.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, he was born on April 19, 1963. He was the eldest son of Theodore Thomas and Gloria Greer Thomas and the second oldest of ten children. In 1966, while Teddy was still a toddler, his parents moved the family to Henderson, Kentucky, where he was raised.

While living in Chicago, Teddy was a member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. After relocating to Kentucky, he attended Corydon COGIC until his father became pastor of Sturgis COGIC. Raised as a preacher's kid, Teddy later accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior as an adult, strengthening his walk of faith.

Teddy was known as a tireless worker with a servant's heart. He was always busy helping wherever he was needed - in church, at home, or in the community. He served in many roles at Sturgis COGIC, including chauffeur, groundskeeper, janitor, and construction helper during renovations. As a teenager, he worked at KFC and proudly bought his first car at age sixteen - a Chevy Nova.

Four qualities stood out about Teddy from a young age: he was neat and tidy, generous in giving, hardworking, and undeniably handsome. He never chased the girls - they chased him.

Teddy graduated from Henderson County High School in 1982. After graduation, he moved back to Chicago for several years, working in construction and enjoying opportunities to travel.

After his sister Tawanna relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, Teddy followed a couple of years later. Nashville became his home for the remainder of his life.

There, Teddy met the love of his life, Akberet (Akwa). They shared 28 beautiful years of marriage and were a blessing to one another, to their families, and to their community. God blessed them with a son, Tedros (Little Teddy), whom Teddy loved deeply and was immensely proud of.

Teddy worked many years as a sheet metal worker with Union Local #177. His career took him across the United States providing service for numerous companies, including Boeing, while faithfully providing for his family. He also worked for Thomas Construction and served as an independent contractor.

Teddy and his family attended Living Word Church in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, pastored by Tim Slaton, which became a source of spiritual strength and fellowship. Teddy and Akwa attended faithfully for many years. Teddy served diligently in the church and later became an Elder, though he humbly reminded others that it was not the title that preached - it was the life. Drawing on his construction experience, he helped remodel the church and fulfilled many responsibilities, always willing to serve.

Teddy was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Francess Thomas and Aline Greer; his parents, Theodore and Gloria Thomas; and his sister, Tawanna Thomas.

His cherished memory lives on through his devoted wife, Akwa; his beloved son, Tedros of Nashville, Tennessee; his siblings: LaDreanna (Marshall) Chambers of Henderson, Kentucky; Tonya (Anthony) Hayes of Henderson, Kentucky; Rebekah (Jackie) Cook of Evansville, Indiana; Carla (Steven) Cawthon of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Darlene Prather of Henderson, Kentucky; Steven (Laura) Thomas of Evansville, Indiana; Edward Thomas of Henderson, Kentucky; and Shonna Thomas of Henderson, Kentucky; along with his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, cousins, friends, and the Saints of God who knew and loved him.

Teddy was a loving son, brother, husband, father, cousin, and friend - a man whose hands were never idle and whose heart was always open. He lived a life of service, faith, and quiet strength.

Now his labor is complete.

He has laid down his tools, crossed the river, and entered eternal rest.

No more work to do.

No more burdens to carry.

Only peace in the presence of Jesus.

Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in knowing he is safely home. And one sweet day, when our own work here is finished, we will meet him again.

Rest well, Teddy.

Until then - we'll see you later.

At 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Teddy's life will be celebrated at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Henderson.

Superintendent Marshall Chambers will be eulogist.

Burial will follow in Thomas Family Cemetery in Cairo, Kentucky.

His visitation and wake services will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. service time Saturday at Abundant Life Assembly of God where family and friends will gather.

The service will be live-streamed for viewing beginning at 12:00 p.m. central time Saturday on Elliott-Bowles Mortuary facebook page.

Elliott-Bowles Mortuary in Madisonville, Kentucky is overseeing his funeral arrangements and funeral directions.

Condolences to Teddy's family may be shared with them by going to www.elliottmortuarycares.com.