Teddy Wilcox

Teddy Junior Wilcox, age 79 of Warrensville, North Carolina passed peacefully to his eternal home on Thursday, June 20, 2024. He was born in Ashe County on July 27, 1944 to the late Birchem and Orpha Hart Wilcox. 

Teddy, whose passion for fishing, defined his life from an early age, beginning on his mother's lap. Fishing was more than a hobby; it was his lifelong pursuit of perfection. As a meticulous angler and guide on the New River, Teddy shared his expertise generously, leaving an indelible mark on those he mentored. He was featured in articles of fishing magazines, reflecting his deep knowledge and love for the sport. Teddy found solace and joy in every moment spent with a rod in hand. 

Teddy graduated from Lansing High School. Following graduation he worked several short term jobs. After that, he was employed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation from 1969-2004, and served in several different roles as a surveyor, explosives’ expert and retiring over new road construction.

 Teddy professed a hope in Christ, and he and Peggy attended many different churches as long as his health allowed him to. Teddy was blessed with different talents. He played the guitar and had a great singing voice. Two of his favorite songs were “The Gleams of That Golden Morning” and “Fallen Leaves.” He was an avid reader of the Good Book and Louis L'amour westerns as well as other written materials. He wrote poetry, kept his fisherman’s log and shared fishing stories.

Teddy’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved supporting them at their school activities and athletic events as well as taking them fishing on the boat. Another skill was gardening. He enjoyed growing and working in his garden. It gave him much pleasure to share his bountiful harvest with his friends and neighbors. 

Teddy was preceded in death by his father, mother and a sister, Edra Sturgill. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Doss Wilcox, two daughters: Lisa Thomas (Shawn) of North Wilkesboro and Lynna Greer (Rick) of Warrensville. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Shana Potts (Cody), Aaron Thomas (Kendall), Colby Greer and Ally Greer. Along with 3 great-grandchildren, Tristin, Julian and Corbin.

Teddy will be most remembered by his friendly nature and sense of humor. He never failed to speak to people. One person said, “He’s always been a good friend and always made me laugh; I will never forget him—He was a great man.” The Bible states in Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” He loved to share funny stories and clever jokes to make people laugh. In any room full of people, one could easily identify Teddy’s contagious laughter. Even throughout his illness, he was able to find strength from his faith in the Lord. He kept the nurses and caregivers in stitches laughing at his witty sayings and jokes. The Good Book also reminds us that “a merry heart doeth good like medicine.” He always made you feel welcome when you met him and joyful when you left. Through his many years of trapping, fishing and reloading, he made so many friends that were scattered far and wide, to whom he gladly gave advice and shared his knowledge and expertise. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm by Minister David Lyalls and Rev. Tommy Dollar. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 pm prior to the service.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone for their unwavering prayers and the various ways in which they have offered help. Your kindness, support, and generosity have been a great comfort during this time, and we are profoundly thankful for each and every gesture of assistance and encouragement.