Thomas Fletcher Tedder, Ph.D.

May 14, 1956 - March 18, 2024

Durham, North Carolina - Thomas Fletcher Tedder, Ph.D. of Durham, NC went home to the Lord on March 18th, 2024 after an extraordinary health battle.

Born in Chateauroux, France on May 14, 1956, Thomas grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond P. Tedder (October 6, 1974), his mother, Barbara Hagemann Tedder (September 23, 2008), and his brother, John Raymond Tedder (October 25, 1996). He leaves behind his two beloved sons, Thomas Tedder Jr., of Denver, CO, Justin Tedder of Durham, NC, and their mother, Susan McKenney of Chapel Hill, NC; his three sisters - Barbara Clark (Gary) of Manhattan, Kansas, Theresa Cheney (John- deceased) of Tallahassee, FL, and Elizabeth Landrum (Bruce) of Fernandina Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas led a remarkable career, spanning positions from Harvard Medical School, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and ultimately as the founding Chairman of the Department of Immunology at Duke University; where he loyally dedicated thirty years as a faculty member and as the Alter Geller Distinguished Professor for Research in Immunology in the Duke School of Medicine. Best known for his work in B cell function in oncology and autoimmunity, Thomas also founded several companies with the technologies and therapeutics that he pioneered. Most notably, Thomas developed a critical drug that treats patients with the autoimmune disease neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which received early regulatory approvals due to its overwhelming efficacy. To take a pharmaceutical from his mind to a patient's body is an incredible feat, one that required the steadfast work from countless indispensable colleagues, the North Carolina biotechnology community, and an absolute determination. Most basic science investigators would consider a publication in the prestigious journal of Nature as a crown jewel of their career - Thomas threw down the gauntlet and had three, with over 400 publications in total over his career. Thomas is the 87th most cited immunologist worldwide, which is a further testament to his constant drive to advance the world's knowledge at the cutting edge of science. His work impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of families, giving them hope for a better day.

While Thomas's talents in the scientific world were clearly beyond reproach, he was also a man who led a good and honest life. Coming from a modest background, Thomas challenged every hurdle put in his way - there was never an insurmountable task to him. 'We'll eat this elephant one bite at a time' he would champion to his children. He was a man of substance, who insisted on teaching his sons, and those brave enough to follow along, a myriad of fundamental skill sets - from managing forestry, to the skills of construction and home building, to the nuances of tax preparation, and to the fine art of sailing- he tackled every task as a force of nature. He taught his sons how to lead, how to stand up to the world, and most importantly, how to be a good father.

Thomas faced a prolonged struggle with his health, triumphing over numerous obstacles. After nearly two years of relentless fighting, he has finally earned a chance to find peace. The void left in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, both in his professional and personal spheres, is immeasurable. His legacy is that of a committed educator, accomplished scientist, and devoted father. He will be forever held dear and profoundly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at Duke University Chapel at 10 AM on April 27th, 2024. A reception will follow within walking distance from the Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Mar. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tedder

12 Entries

Max and Rosalie Cooper

Planted Trees

Renée

June 5, 2024

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear and precious friend. I will cherish my memories of the early UAB days and throughout the years later. I prayed for your health and happiness and now I pray for the same for your boys. Rest peacefully, dear and sweet Tom Terrific.

Yinghua Liang

April 26, 2024

I am so sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Thomas Tedder. Dr. Thomas Tedder is not only a brilliant scientist, educator, and leader, but also a remarkable individual whose influence touched many lives.
I had the privilege of working as a research associate under his guidance from 1999-2004 which started and boosted my professional career. He taught me many lessons, and I still remember the first time I reviewed a paper with him, where he taught me: "Don´t believe everything you heard, only believe half what you see." His many pieces of wisdom continue to guide me throughout my career.
I fondly recall a weekend when Dr. Tedder invited everyone in his lab, along with their families, to his sailboat in Newburn. He shared his passion for sailing, showing us how to change the sails and guide the boat into the harbor. It was a delightful experience for all of us.
Upon the FDA´s approval of Uplizna for patients with the autoimmune disease neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in June 2020, Dr. Tedder expressed his gratitude, remarking, "What an honor it has been to have you as colleagues and friends." His words filled me with such excitement, prompting me to share his email with friends. He has made so many people´s lives better, He has made this world a better place. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will forever remain cherished.

Yinghua Liang

Kazuhiro Komura

Sent Flowers

Tammy VanHeyningen

April 9, 2024

My heartfelt condolences to Tom's family. I worked closely with Tom for over a decade. I had a first-hand view of his research as a patent attorney working on several of his patents. He had a real passion for his work and moved the field forward. His science was always top-notch and keeping up with him was a challenge. Tom had high expectations of those around him and made us all step up to the task. When I first met him, he was disappointed that I knew more about T cells than B cells. I explained that my training was T cell focused, but that I was happy to learn. He asked if I had learned anything about B cells in grad school, I responded that I had been taught B cells were Boring and T cells were Terrific. He immediately started laughing and said "You were trained by Emil Unanue, weren't you". The two had worked together at Harvard and from that moment on, we had a wonderful working relationship. He answered my myriad questions, always answered my calls and was a great person to work for. He will be missed, but is in a better place.

Jeannette Brossart

April 8, 2024

Sending heartfelt condolences to the family, particularly Justin (friend of my son).

Yasuhiro Fujisawa

April 8, 2024

The sudden passing of Tom has brought profound sadness and a sense of loss to our hearts. Tom, your memories and legacy will live on with us. May your gentle soul rest in eternal peace. Thank you, and may you rest peacefully.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom's family and friends.

Janet marks Breedlove

April 3, 2024

So sorry ... such an unbelievable loss to our research world !
Always enjoyed our street visits as neighbors in Durham ! Janet marks Breedlove

Michael Little

March 31, 2024

I first met Tom in Fort Walton Beach in 1975 when my car stalled out on the street in front of his house. He came out and cheerfully resolved the problem, helping me get on my way.

Little did I know that 1 year later we would both be at UF and both getting an undergrad degree in the same subject (microbiology). At that time, we became best friends and, with his 2 sisters, who were also there, we were like family. We studied hard, worked hard on our lab research projects, and played tennis to unwind. Over the years, we kept in touch and met up when time permitted.

It saddens me greatly to learn of his death and I shall miss him very much.

Michael Little
([email protected])

Jeff & Cathy Washburn

March 27, 2024

To Thomas´s family.
We are at a loss upon hearing of Thomas´s passing.
Although we only knew him a few short years we know he was a great man. All his achievements are at best extraordinary. We enjoyed many conversations with him, ( and Charlie) on his porch or ours. He would talk of his work leaving us in awe. He was proud. Mostly he was proud of his sons. His eyes would light up when he would speak of them. We will dearly miss this friend of ours.
With deepest sympathies.

Jeff & Cathy Washburn

Planted Trees

Barbara Williams

March 27, 2024

There are too memories to hold in this space. Tom was a beloved friend of mine since his graduate school days. We talked weekly and shared many, many things along the years. Both good and bad. To say he will be missed by me and my family is such an understatement. The world has lost a very good man way before we should have. Miss you, Buddy!

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