Obituaries : Theodore “Ted” Wilson

Theodore "Ted" Wilson, 69 was called to his heavenly home on Friday, March 19, 2021 after an ongoing battle with cancer spending his final days at his home with family in Cedar Rapids, IA.  A public visitation will be held on Monday, March 29, 2021 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  "Following the continued guidance from health officials, physical distancing must be practiced which requires a limited number of people allowed into the visitation at one time. The use of facemasks or shields is required."Theodore was born on October 9, 1951, the son of Hansel Wilson and Ethel (Lockhart) Wilson. Theodore was the first African American born at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, IA. He graduated from Washington High School in 1969 and attended Kirkwood Community College. Theodore worked for General Mills for 35 years as a Team Leader before retiring in 2018. Theodore was a lover of sports and cars. He was well-known around the slow pitch and fast pitch softball leagues across the state and was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in 2012. Theodore enjoyed bowling and excelled at it, accruing multiple perfect games. A diehard Earnhardt fan, he could be seen sporting Nascar gear for #3 or #8. Theodore also enjoyed golfing and attending car shows. His love for hot rods included his cherished 1966 Chevrolet Corvette and 1939 Chevrolet Coupe that he restored himself.Theodore never met a stranger. He had many nicknames in his social circles: Ted, Teddy, Theo, Magic, Teddy Bear, Old Man, and in recent years, he grew quite fond of being called Pawpaw. Ted is survived by three daughters, Brittney Wilson (Nick Rehnstrom) of Cedar Rapids, IA; Bethany (Matthew) Mochal of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Blaire Wilson of Decatur, GA; four grandchildren, Emma, Arden, and Sibyllah Mochal, Thor Rehnstrom; six siblings, Diantha (Johnny) Powell of Center Point, AL; Elsie Wilson of Cedar Rapids, IA; Horace Wilson of Cedar Rapids, IA; Gertrude Fitzpatrick of Cedar Rapids, IA; Tristan Munnings of Riverview, FL; and Sharel Wilson of Cedar Rapids, IA; loving nieces and nephews, Ashton Northern, Cody Northern, Cybryan Moa, Simeon Moa, Calista Stokes, and Daijah Hayes.Theodore had recently reconnected with a biological son, Nathan Grey of Arvada, CO. The family is joined in mourning by a host of other extended family and friends, especially those in the Bahamas. Theodore was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Francis Northern; his brother-in-law, Kermit Fitzpatrick.The family extends their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy Hospital and Mercy Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for those interested to direct their support to St. Jude Children's Hospital dedicated in Theodore's name in honor of his generous and friendly spirit.