Ted Whelchel

Theodore (Ted) Wright Whelchel, age 91, entered into the arms of his heavenly Father on January 4, 2025. He was surrounded by his wife, Ginnie, and daughter Sharon. Earlier, family had gathered, anointing Ted with oil, and singing and praying with him.

Ted was born on August 10,1933 to John and Effie Whelchel who preceded him in death. Ted was the youngest of his siblings. Johnny, his older brother, and Mary Frances, his older sister, both preceded him in death.

Ted married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginnie) Louise Alexander on December 1, 1954. Ginnie is currently living in Cumming Georgia. Ted and Ginnie have one child, a daughter, Sharon Elizabeth Moye, who Ted loved deeply. Sharon is married to Mike Moye, who was like a son to Ted. 

Ted's early childhood and formative years were spent in Tallapoosa Georgia, The family subsequently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where Ted resided the remainder of his life. Ted's family was brilliant in mathematical and musical skills. Ted's mother, Effie, and sister, Mary Frances, were both talented pianists. Ted learned to play the trumpet in this musical household. Ted's love of music and trumpet playing prowess substantially grew in his elementary and high school years. He was offered a full music scholarship to attend Marist, instead choosing to stay in his community and attend Brown High school. Ted enjoyed orchestra at Brown, playing in Band of Atlanta, and participating in various outdoor activities in his neighborhood.

After graduation from Brown, Ted worked at Macy's in downtown Atlanta. He worked in the smoke shop, which is funny because he never smoked! While at Macy's, Ted met Virginia who was employed in Macy's handbag department. Ted was smitten from the beginning. Shortly thereafter, they were married at College Park Baptist Church, on Dec. 19, 1954, at the ages of 19 and 20 years old.

Before getting married, Ted pursued college at the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia. Shortly after getting married, Ted was drafted in the United States Army and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He played the trumpet in the Army's band where he was able to continue his love of music while serving his country.

After serving in the Army, Ted played trumpet six years for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under conductor, Henry Sopkin. Ted also played in jazz bands, Bill Clark's band, Band of Atlanta and Theater of the Stars.

Ted's love for music never dwindled, but he had the opportunity to work in the insurance world, so he chose to work in insurance full time, while playing music on the side. He worked at D.L. Stokes Insurance in the field of property and casualty. Ted remained in that field and retired as an Insurance Investigator with the State of Georgia.

Ted and Ginnie expanded their family in 1963 with the adoption of Sharon Elizabeth. The family of three resided on Blueberry Trail in Decatur, Georgia. Ted enjoyed landscaping, golf with his neighborhood friends and attending church. Ted gave his life to Christ in his preteen years and later served his church by playing trumpet for the church orchestra and for weddings.

Ted was a devoted husband and father. He was a routine man who loved his coffee, WSB News and reading the latest questions and answers with Walter Reeves, The Georgia Gardener. Ted loved spending time with his family, going on vacations to Hilton Head or St. Simons or watching a comedy show like Laugh In, Sunday night Disney or golf tournaments on Sunday.

Ted was the proud father who walked Sharon down the aisle, giving his blessing to his son in law, Mike in 1987. He then became a grandad in 1988 to his granddaughter Rachel, and again in 1990 to his granddaughter Bekah. He adored his granddaughters! Then in 1992, his grandson Michael came along. Ted affectionately referred to Michael as "his number one grandson," even as Michael was his only grandson. Ted and Ginnie attended every sporting event, musical, ballet recital, graduation, and absolutely every grandchild activity with open arms of love.

Ted and Ginnie welcomed each of their grandchildren's spouses into the family; Chase Parks (Rachel's husband), Josh Davis (Bekah's husband) and Elizabeth Yontz (Michael's wife). His grandchildren blessed him with six great grandchildren: Penelope, Eleanora, Jonah, Isaiah, Raley James and Remi Joy. He adored all of them and He would have smiled and loved the two awaited additions too!

Ted served his family with a spirit of humility and love. He loved his wife of 71 years and they were inseparable. Their faith and love for God and others was evident in their community, family and church.

James, his caregiver for the last two years, was a testament to seeing dad cross barriers that were unfamiliar to him. He had been independent for so long but needed more help these last two years. James became another grandson for him and he dearly loved James and the others providing him help at his assisted living community.

Ted was a man of God who touched so many lives with his quick wit, a smile that would light up a room, and eyes that carried the Light of Jesus.

Psalm 19:14 " Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

 In lieu of flowers, to honor Ted's love for music, please give to Brookhaven Presbyterian Church, with designation to the music department.