NEWS

David Tedman “Ted” Caldwell

Mr. David Tedman Caldwell, Ted, son of the late Inez Caldwell Carr and Willie Waddell, was born February 27, 1970. Following the marriage of Inez and Garfield Carr, Ted was reared in the loving environment of their family home. Ted gained his angel wings on June 29, 2026.

Ted was a man of immense talent, dedication, and heart. A proud 1988 graduate of North Mecklenburg Senior High School, Ted was known from an early age as someone who was exceptionally smart and full of endless potential.

Throughout his life, Ted proved himself to be a versatile and hard-working young man. He successfully navigated various industries, working as a dedicated forklift driver, a reliable truck driver, and serving patrons at several local restaurants. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, he stepped into self-employment. He started his own business known as Lawn & Leaf, serving many residents of the historical Davidson Lakeside Community.

Whatever the task at hand, Ted was a true perfectionist. He believed that if a job was worth doing, he would do it right. While it may have taken him hours to finish a project, anyone who knew him understood that the final result would be more than satisfactory.

Ted, also affectionately known as “Dr. Slow Drag” and “Doc” to those closest to him, had an infectious laugh, love for life, and a deep appreciation for good food. When he was young, Ted loved hosting his famous basement parties, illuminated by the perfect glow of a single red, green, or blue light. He dearly loved his very first car, a candy apple red Honda Civic. What adventures he got into in that car! Yet, of all his many achievements and roles throughout his life, Ted’s absolute greatest joy and proudest title was being a father.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Inez Caldwell Carr; Grandparents: Craven Caldwell & Sareva Tucker Robinson; Orlando Carr Sr & Evelyn Mayhew Carr; Era “E” Sturdivant & James Wall; Uncle, Charles Sturdivant; Aunt, Joyce Ballard.

Ted leaves to cherish fond memories: his fathers: Garfield Carr of Davidson; Willie Waddell of Charlotte; his daughter, Alahna Leigh White of Charlotte; his sister, Leslie Caldwell of Charlotte; brothers, Kenyatta Waddell and Roderick Graham of Charlotte; Nieces: Reva Davis, London Waddell, Shania Thomas, and Nephews: Amiri Waddell; Roderick D. Graham, Jeshawn Graham, Jeremiah Davis and Michael Davis; Uncles: Orlando Carr Jr (Barbara); Gerald Carr; Felton Carr (Patricia), John Sturdivant (Jackie) of Charlotte; Andre Carr of Davidson, and Kavin Carr (Calese) of Williamsburg, Va; Aunts: Ruby Caldwell Johnson (Nathaniel) of Greensboro, N.C.; Patricia Carr Stinson (Ernest), Mary Francis Carr Tuck (Tom), Elizabeth Carr Wilson (Javet) of Davidson; Laura Dunlap and Lynn Sturdivant of Charlotte. Great Aunts: Jessie Bell Frontis of Mooresville, Daisy Lee Raeford of Davidson; Delorus Williams of Cornelius. Special cousins (like sisters): Tara Anderson, Tonda Slade of Greensboro, N.C., and Lisa Houston of Davidson and great host of relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Sunday, July 12, at Davidson Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m.

​