Theodore Cutshaw's Obituary
Col. Ted R Cutshaw (Ret), 81, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010 in Bedford, TX. Born to deaf mute parents in Finger, TN in 1928, Ted was a banker by profession, but was better known for his exemplary life of military and civic service in the Memphis area. Ted joined the Navy during World War 2, as soon as he was old enough, and fought in the invasion of Okinawa. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, he then immediately joined the Tennessee Army National Guard. He served in Korea with Memphis’ 3/115th Field Artillery. He returned from Korea a highly decorated Master Sergeant, widely known for championing the Memphis soldier’s celebrated return home for a Merry Christmas in 1951, instead of their delayed return in late January 1952. Ted graduated from Command General Staff College with a Masters Degree in Military Science and continued to serve in the National Guard for 40 years. Ted completed the journey from Buck Private to Full Colonel, serving as Chief Intelligence Officer on the Tennessee Governor’s General staff until his retirement at maximum age in 1988. Often referred to as a soldier’s soldier, Ted inspired and earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him. At the same time, Ted tirelessly served the civic needs of the Memphis area he loved so dearly. He was a charter member of the Northeast Memphis Optimist club where he served as President, Board Member and Lt. Governor of the Tennessee Optimist Clubs. He is a Member of the President’s Golden Circle of Optimist International. Ted founded the Optimist Hearing Impaired Communication Contest in Memphis, which is now an ongoing International program for the hearing impaired. Among the other Optimist programs Ted helped found were the Youth Identification Program, The Respect for Law program and the Optimist Annual Christmas Tree Sales program, benefitting many for over 40 years. He also served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Memphis. Ted was also a Master Mason and member of the Park Ave. Masonic Lodge #362 for 61 years. He was also instrumental in forming the Memphis Juvenile Court Auxiliary Probation Service and served as Chief Auxiliary Probation Officer, Juvenile court mediator and probation counselor. Ted also co-founded the Gaisman Park Sports Association, funding and hosting numerous tournaments and events for young Memphis athletes, as well as the Gaisman 4th of July community parade. Ted was a charter member of Macon Rd Church of Christ for over 40 years. Ted was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Velma Joy Wells Cutshaw. Survivors include two sons, Ted L Cutshaw of Bartlett, Tim Cutshaw of Memphis, a daughter, Tamara Roberts of North Richland Hills, TX., nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
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?