Bobby J. Tedder, Sr.

June 5, 2024

Bobby J. Tedder, Sr., a beloved Father, Grandfather, and Brother passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024 at the age of 81 surrounded by people who loved him.

Bobby was born in Century, Fl on May 2, 1943. He graduated from Century High School in 1961. He signed his papers for the Air Force before he could be drafted for the Army. Growing up near Pensacola, FL, he loved watching the Blue Angels. During his 4 years in the US. Air Force, he learned how to work on aircrafts while stationed in Germany, Turkey and eventually Laredo, Tx, where he met Sally. They were married for 58 years, until her death last year.

Bobby attended San Jacinto College and earned a degree in Electrical Technology. The story goes that he took 6 years to get his 2-year degree. He stressed the importance of education to his kids and grandkids. He knew its value since he worked so hard to get his while having a job and a family.

He spent many years working for NASA/Northrop-Grumman at Ellington Airforce Base. While working for NASA, he worked on maintaining the T38 jets, which the US Astronauts used to log flight hours. On one occasion, an Astronaut flew Bobby to Cape Canaveral to repair one of their jets. After he left NASA, he was employed at HL&P – South Texas Nuclear project, during its construction. After the power plant went online, he worked as a QA/QC manager for a number of years. Later in his career, he worked for Wyman Gorman where he retired.

As you may imagine, Bobby was very technically and mechanically savvy. He was the first dad that we knew of that embraced technology. He had a home computer in the 80’s – everything ran on big floppy disks. He was teaching his daughter DOS before she knew what it was called. He was the only 70+ yr old who understood the basics of how PC’s worked and passed that love of technology on to his daughter. He was the family mechanic as well. He could change the oil, the brakes….any of the family’s car issues, because that’s what he did.

Bobby loved being in the outdoors… Camping, hunting and fishing was something his kids grew up experiencing. Countless summer camping trips with family and friends. Many of them were to New Braunfels, where we would float down the river and sit around the camp fire. One Summer vacation, he towed an RV down to Key West. Stopping at camp sites along the way. Fishing trips whenever possible or hunting trips whenever the opportunity came up. Simply put, he loved the outdoors.

Bobby loved to smoke some BBQ. A love he shared with his sons. Bobby and Sally had so many parties in their home. Any excuse to celebrate, Bobby was cooking on the pit while Sally was cooking in the kitchen. They loved to feed family and friends.

Dad loved his lake house, after all, it was his retirement dream. He loved sitting on the back deck looking out at the water. He could spend all day just watching the boats going by and planning his next fishing trip. No doubt, this was his Happy place.

Bobby and Sally were married for 58 years. We know Sally met Bobby on his final journey. They are surely two stepping all over heaven. Preceded in death by: his wife, Araceli (Sally) Tedder, his father, Elmer Tedder, and his mother, Lucille Carnley Tedder.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Bobby J. Tedder, Jr [Amy Tedder], Denise L. Sanders [Timothy Sanders], Brian J. Tedder. Grandchildren: Shelby, Blaise, Tyler, Brian Jr., Gaby, Payton, Zachary, Nick, Krista. Brothers: Ralph Tedder, Rex Tedder and Ronnie Tedder. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad, you will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. We love you so much. We’ve got it from here. Rest in peace.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to your favorite charity in his name. E.g. American heart association, American cancer society, your local VFW or American Legion Hall or Tunnel to Towers foundation to support your local veterans.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries