Theodore Roosevelt English was born February 22, 1928, to the late Vann English. Sr. and Gurtha English in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended public schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Ted was enterprising and industrious as a young man and began working at the age of 14. One of his earliest jobs was working as an Elevator Operator. After working on various entry-level jobs in Birmingham, he moved to Chicago and worked for the “Frisco” Railroad.
Ted moved to New York in 1946 and worked on various odd jobs. His commitment to serving others combined with his ingenuity led him to a productive career with American Airlines (AA), where he worked as a Sky Cap who was featured in commercials. Ted’s AA career spanned 54 years.
Ted met and married Earnestine Trice, an aspiring young Air Force Sargent. They forged a dynamic partnership for 54 Years. As the love of his life, they were avid travelers and visited cities across the United States, the Caribbean Islands and countries in Africa, China, Europe, and Asia. They had successful real estate ventures and operated Teddy’s Lounge, a cheerful atmosphere known for hosting local gatherings and sponsors of Teddy’s Bears, a local athletic team for young men.
Ted was preceded in death by his brothers Van Jr., Cecil , Eugene, Harold, Maurell, Freddie and Timothy English; children: Theodore English Jr., Dr. Theodore Fuller, Jacqueline Johnson-Ellis, and Karen English; and grandchild, Simone Odette Ellis Glean.
He is survived by two sons: Norman (Julie) English of Kingsberry, Texas and Gordon Scott (Edith) Johnson of Winter Springs, Florida. Ted is survived by one brother Clarence (Birmingham, Alabama) and two sisters: Jacqueline Fielder of Carson, California and Roberta Tate of Los Angeles, California.
Ted considered all of his children and grandchildren a blessing. He encouraged academic and professional achievements and was proud of them all. `
Ted was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and his generosity to family, friends, and the community was his greatest gift to mankind. He supported and encouraged educational and occupational achievement for his nieces and nephews.
Ted was an active member of social and philanthropic organizations, and he was the oldest living member of the Onondaga Lodge No.32 F.&A.M., Alleppo Temple#88, Utica Consistory#45 and Syracuse Celebrators Club.
Ted was an avid golfer and had the opportunity to golf every week of the year by flying to various warm weather destinations. He also achieved a golfer’s ultimate dream, A Hole in One and was recognized by the National Hole in One Association for a 120 yards shot on Hole #13 in Bensenville, Illinois.
Ted will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of family and his generosity.
Public visitation for Theodore English will take place on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church beginning at 11:00am. A Graveside service will convene on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 beginning at 12:00pm in Elmwood Cemetery, 600 Martin Luther King Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35211.
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