Ted or “Teddy” as he was affectionately known by many, was born on January 23, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio to Hattie Mae Dry and Theodore H. Dry. Teddy’s father passed away when he was a very young child. His mother later married James Mayden, and Teddy’s legal name was changed from Theodore Hugh Dry, Jr. to that of Theodore Hugh Mayden.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Pruitt Mayden of Starkville, MS; Children: Lisa Henderson (Michael) of Starkville, Mississippi, and Kimberly Cooper of Starkville, MS; Grandchildren: Chase Henderson of Nashville, TN, Colby Henderson (Kristen) of Starkville, MS, Hayden Henderson of Memphis, TN, Hayes Henderson of Water Valley, MS, Danielle Rahnert of Farmersville, LA, Rachael Santana (Kevin) of Gainesville, TX, Krystal Rahnert of O’Fallon, MO, Kaitlyn Crisp (Shay) of Washington, MO, and Dayanara Cooper of Starkville, MS. Ted is also survived by six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and countless beloved friends.
Ted was a graduate of Starkville High School.
He worked many years at Starkville Daily News in the advertising department. After leaving Starkville Daily News, Ted worked at Wal-Mart in the sports department. Being the fishing enthusiast that he was, the job at Wal-Mart was one that he truly enjoyed. He delighted in assisting customers with their fishing and hunting needs. After retirement from Wal-Mart, Ted began driving buses for Mississippi State University. Due to his friendly nature, this was a job that allowed him to greet and make students feel welcomed on their travels across campus. He would often see students out in public who would wave and greet “Mr. Ted”, their favorite bus driver.
Ted’s hobbies included fishing and camping. He was a member of the Senior Adult Men Sunday School Class at Bridgeway Church in Starkville, MS and also served as a Deacon at Calvary Baptist Church.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, November 11th, 2023, from 9:15 – 10:15 am at Bridgeway Baptist Church in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Dr. Grant Arinder will conduct the service. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN
