Ted Royster

Theodore Satterwythe Royster, Jr. AKA, 'Ted' and 'Judge', age 75, passed away peacefully with family
by his side, Thursday. May 20, 2021, at Lexington Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am Monday, May 24 at Lexington Church of Christ by Preacher Brock Shanks. The family will receive friends following the service.

A private interment with Masonic Rites will follow at Lexington City Cemetery.

Ted was born September 10, 1945 in Lexington to Theodore Satterwythe Royster, Sr. and Nancy Howard Royster. Following graduation from Lexington Senior High School in1963, Ted attended Wake Forest University on a football scholarship. Following graduation from Wake he worked as a probation officer before obtaining his law degree from Samford University School of Law. Ted returned to Lexington to practice law in 1973. He was proud to say he worked as an assistant district attorney under the famous 'Butch' Zimmerman, who taught him fine nuances of the law. He remained in private practice as an 'old timey lawyer ,often accepting corn and tomatoes as fees. In 2001 he was appointed to the position of District Court Judge. In 2008 he was elected to Superior Court Judge and remained in that position until
mandatory retirement in 2017. Ted truly loved the law, the Constitution and this country. He was honored by the American Legion for continuing the practice of opening court with the Pledge of Allegiance

Ted was a devoted and practicing Freemason, rising through the Scottish Rite to ultimately earn his 32nd Degree and invited into the Royal Order of Scotland . He was a veteran, having served in the US Army. As many know, Ted suffered a severe accident in 2008, causing him to be a quadriplegic. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to work as a Superior Court Judge until retirement. Prior to his injury, Ted led a full life. Earlier in life, he was a horseman, cattle farmer, concealed carry instructor, marksman, and mountain hiker. As a licensed pilot, he loved nothing more than the majesty of flight. Little known, was his love of children and his talent as a magician. He carried 'magic tricks' in his pocket to amuse children in his office and even at birthday parties.

Ted was quiet in his demeanor, but was a devoted friend, husband, father, and a true gentleman. He was a Biblical scholar and loved his church and church family, who have supported him faithfully through many trying years. He was an inspiration to many. He was predeceased by his parents, Nancy and Ted Royster, Sr. and sister, Nancy Jane Royster Bell.

Cherishing his memory are his wife, Patricia Berrier Royster, sister, Rebecca Royster of Raleigh, sons, Theodore Royster, Ill (Tad) of Winston Salem, James Royster (Raquel) of Murrells Inlet, SC, stepchildren, Courtney Bui, (Thi) of Raleigh, Allison West, (Jay) of Baltimore, MD, Brian Lewis of Asheville, NC., and seven grandchildren. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, especially his special niece, Courtney, not to mention, his 'fur babies, Deacon and Libba.

The family would like to express special gratitude to so many who have assisted us thru the past 12 years: The many attorneys and friends who spent hours assisting with exercises and home repairs and moral support, the Lexington Church of Christ who offered spiritual support and guidance, many meals and hope, very special caregivers, Anibal Recinos, Jamie Holt, and Dawn Galbreath and most devoted friends, Shawn Fraley, Bill Fritts, Danny Nicholson and Sandra and Bob Husted. We love you all and thank you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lexington Church of Christ, 1330 Piedmont Drive, Lexington NC 27295, Humane Society of Davidson County, PO Box 1791, Lexington NC 27293 or charity of choice.