Theodore Smith's Obituary
Theodore (Ted) Smith was born January 3, 1938, in Tallahassee, Fl. He was the youngest son of the late Ella Jones Smith and Herman Smith Sr. He traded time for eternity on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Seven Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center in Tallahassee.
Theodore was raised in the Frenchtown community of Tallahassee. He was educated in the public schools of Tallahassee and was a 1956 graduate of the original Lincoln High School. He graduated from Florida A&M University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Music degree. In 2008, he earned his Master of Science Theology degree from Covenant Bible College and Seminary in Tallahassee.
Theodore loved music and was a talented musician. He was a master of many musical instruments but was well known for his saxophone and trumpet skills. In the 60’s and 70’s, Theodore traveled all over America playing trumpet and saxophone. He played with a multitude of artists including Soul music greats Sam and Dave as well as jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan. He performed in well-known venues such as Smalls Paradise, Studio 54, Harrah’s in New York to name a few.
Theodore cultivated a passion for hair design and styling from his mother Ella Smith. She owned a renowned hair salon in her home on North Macomb Street in Tallahassee. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he followed his passion for hair and received a barber’s license. He later opened “Mock City Barber” shop in New Jersey. Theodore later moved back to Tallahassee to continue pursuing his love for hair. He worked as a barber and hair stylist at “New Image Salon” and later opened his own shop “New Designs” in Frenchtown, Tallahassee.
Ms. Smith was predeceased by his daughter, Bridgette Morilla, Orland, Fl., a brother, Herman Smith, Sr., Tallahassee and a sister, Dr. Dorothy Ann Bouie, Tallahassee. Theodore is survived by one son, Theodore Smith Jr., Tallahassee Fl, 4 devoted daughters Vedelin Bugg (Warren) Raleigh NC; Sharon McCaster (Rodney) Columbia, SC; Stacey Schuler(Willie), Tallahassee, Fl; Benita McGraw Carr, NY, NY; 15 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren; niece Chansa’ Smith Davis, Tallahassee, Fl; nephews Michael Smith (Eula) Tallahassee Fl; Herman Smith, Jr, Tallahassee Fl and Reginald Smith, Tallahassee Fl. He is also survived by many additional family members, friends and the entire Frenchtown community. The family would like to offer a special acknowledgement to Theodore’s rock and mentor, first cousin, Pastor Robert Jones, Dothan, Alabama.
Expressions of Gratitude
The daughters and son of Theodore Smith wish to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all the visits, calls any many expressions of kindness and sympathy during this time of grief for their father’s stay in the hospital and Seven Hills Health Rehabilitation Center. Your deeds and prayers have sustained us. A celebration of life is planned for later in the year at Oakland Cemetery, Tallahassee.
What’s your fondest memory of Theodore?
What’s a lesson you learned from Theodore?
Share a story where Theodore's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Theodore you’ll never forget.
How did Theodore make you smile?