Theo Harley “Teddy” Tillery, Jr.

April 24, 1947 – August 8, 2025

Theo Harley “Teddy” Tillery, Jr., 78, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully at home on August 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, on April 24, 1947, Teddy carried the island in his heart his entire life. Puerto Rico was where he felt most at home — a place he returned to as both a child and an adult, and where his final wish will be fulfilled as his ashes are spread on its beloved shores. His favorite escape was Rincon, where weekends camping at his cherished Corcega campground brought him joy, peace, and lasting memories with his family.

Teddy’s path through life took him across the country — from Puerto Rico to Ketchikan, Alaska; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ashland, Oregon; and eventually to Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Southern Oregon State and built a career in manufacturing engineering as well as in the retail automotive and grocery industries, retiring from Banctec in 1995.

While proud of his work, Teddy’s true legacy was never his career — it was his love of people. A gifted storyteller, he could captivate anyone with tales of his past. He had a gift for connection: if he thought you looked the slightest bit Hispanic, he would joyfully strike up a conversation in Spanish, whether you were a friend or a stranger. He never met someone he didn’t try to make feel like family, and he was the kind of man who would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

But above all else, Teddy’s greatest joy in life was his son, Antonio. From the moment Antonio was born, he became the center of Teddy’s world — the pride of his life and the subject of every conversation. Teddy spoke about Antonio to anyone who would listen, placing him on such a high pedestal it could sometimes be embarrassing, but it was always filled with love and admiration. In 2005, Teddy and Winona moved from Oregon to North Carolina for one reason only: to be closer to Antonio. That devotion defined him, and nothing brought him greater happiness than seeing his son thrive.

Teddy also adored his daughter-in-law, Ibeth, and his grandson, Bryson, who added new light and laughter to his days. His marriage to the love of his life, Winona, which began on June 17, 1978, in Ashland, Oregon, spanned 47 years and countless adventures together.

A man of strong Christian faith, Teddy believed firmly in Jesus Christ and lived a life grounded in kindness, generosity, and love. He deeply admired the service of his father and brother in the military, and though a back injury prevented him from serving himself, he carried an enduring respect for those in uniform.

Teddy is survived by his loving wife, Winona; his son Antonio and wife Ibeth; his grandson Bryson; his sisters Sadie Bugbee and Carmen Adams; and many nieces and nephews who will carry his spirit forward. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Jackson Tillery.

Those blessed to know Teddy will remember his warmth, his stories, his laughter, and the way he made every person feel like family. He lived life fully and loved deeply, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.

Celebration of Life

A service to remember and celebrate Teddy’s life will be held at Moments of Hope Church, 709-A International Dr, Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, September 6th at 1:00 pm. Light snacks and coffee will be available for guests. Following the service, family and close friends are invited to a gathering at The Connery on Providence, 4520 Shady Stream Way, Charlotte, NC, beginning at 2:30 pm, with food and drinks provided.

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