Welcome! Friday, March 29, 2024 | Login | Register
   
Theodore Garmon Westmoreland

Theodore Garmon Westmoreland, 83, of Shelby, NC, went home to be with the Lord on November 5, 2017. Born in Clover, SC, Ted was the youngest of the late Douglas Alvastroth and Edna Eaker Westmoreland's eight children and was a beloved family man, veterinarian and philanthropist who cared for his community. His courage, compassion, and commitment to others will be forever cherished.

From Ted's early days, his love for animals was apparent. As a teenager, he enjoyed raising two calves as a 4-H project and working for veterinarians during summer vacations.

Ted graduated from Clover (SC) High School and served as Senior Class President. He represented South Carolina in the 1951 Shrine Bowl as a center and linebacker.

He enrolled in Clemson College as a pre-veterinary science major in 1952, earning a small scholarship, working in the dining hall, and selling cattle he had raised to cover his tuition. Despite the demands of cadet life, he was accepted into veterinary school after only two years.

Ted continued to the University of Georgia, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1958. Upon graduation, the United States Air Force commissioned him as Captain, Base Veterinarian, and Preventive Medicine Officer at Charleston Air Force Base.

After serving his country, Ted established Boulevard Animal Hospital, P.A. in Shelby and cared for tens of thousands of dogs, cats, cattle, horses and even an occasional lion, monkey, snake, or turtle over the next 52 years. He was easily accessible to his clients and frequently returned to the office after hours and during the night to provide emergency care.

Beyond providing high quality, practical, and affordable care for pets until his retirement at age 78, Ted offered caring counsel to their human owners. His compassion, not only for the animals--but also for their owners--made him a favorite for all who knew him. His contagious love for animals and willingness to teach others led many of his student workers to become veterinarians or veterinary technicians.

Ted's avocation was breeding registered Angus cattle. Both of his sons enjoyed countless hours with him at his River Hill Angus Farm. Ted's farming successes were notable. In 1987, a River Hill heifer was selected Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female at the prestigious North American International Livestock Exposition Junior Show in Louisville, KY. Several of Ted's bulls were nationally syndicated, the most prolific of which was PS High Pockets who produced more than 3,000 calves in 44 states and Argentina.

Ted twice served as President of the NC Angus Association. He relished motivating children and youth to learn about the cattle industry and develop good work ethics. He was inducted into the Cleveland County Cattleman's Association Hall of Fame in 2003.

Ted generously donated cattle to three preeminent land grant universities--Clemson, Penn State, and Virginia Tech--to be used to teach the next generation of cattle famers and veterinarians. The World Angus Headquarters proclaimed his herd to be a "coalition of the strongest Angus genetic seed stock on the North American continent."

Ted's love for people and animals was rooted in his deep love and faith in the Creator. He served the Lord in many ways, including lay leadership positions at Elizabeth Baptist Church. A humble servant, Ted enthusiastically fulfilled a variety of roles, whether greeting visitors, ushering, or serving as Chair of the Deacon Fellowship, Finance or Strategic Planning Committee. He was a strong advocate for missions and promoted annual offerings to fund missionaries and Christian causes in the United States and abroad. His calm, conservative viewpoints and steady hand of leadership provided guidance to fulfill the church's mission.

Ted's belief in the benefits of education was evident in his support of Clemson University. Ted gave sacrificially to provide scholarships and funding for an Academic Success Center for all students. Because of his vision, thousands of students' lives have been positively impacted. In his honor, Clemson University named the University's Academic Success Program for him in 2012 and annually awards the Dr. Ted G. Westmoreland Faculty Award for Excellence to an instructor who fosters the skills and attitudes that enable students to reach their educational goals.

Ted was an avid fan of the Clemson football team and enjoyed watching the Tigers regain national prominence in recent seasons, excelling with class on and off the field. The Clemson University Alumni Association bestowed its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Ted for his outstanding professionalism, public service, and dedication.

Upon learning that Ted was one of eight children raised in the Great Depression era by hardworking parents with little formal education, many observers might call him a "self-made" man. In contrast, he attributed his achievements to God and the loving family, friends, and community who assisted in his life's journey.

Ted did not view success in life to be the accumulation of assets. Instead, he realized investing in the lives of his beloved family and others was far more important than earthly riches. Ted's life was one of significance because he faithfully served God, family, and his fellow man. He will be deeply missed.

Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Margaret; sons T.G. (Wes) Westmoreland, II, of Shelby, NC, and James "Jay" Douglas Westmoreland (Scarlett) of Fort Mill, SC; stepchildren Suzanne Beam (Jeff), Michelle Sanford, and Jacqueline Connell; sister-in-laws Elsie Westmoreland, Mary Westmoreland, and Betty Westmoreland; grandchildren Trey, Kati, Ashley, Jason, Nicole, Jennifer, Jonathan, Georgianna, Kayah, Cooper; and other beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Pratt Hambright Westmoreland; his brother and sister-in-law D.A. and Geri Westmoreland; sister and brother-in-law Esther and Avery Adkins; brother and sister-in law, James (Jim) and Willie S. Westmoreland; sister and brother-in-law Charlotte and James C. Barnett; and brothers William (Bill), Robert and Jack Westmoreland.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Ted's fine caregivers Carolyn Fletcher, Rosa Morrow, Sheila Parnell, and Betty Ussery of the Helping Hands Nursing Service and to the dedicated staff of Peak Resources.

A celebration of Ted's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Elizabeth Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Rit Varriale officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend an informal reception in the Christian Life Center immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Children's Homes of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC, 27360, Elizabeth Baptist Church Handyman Ministry, 301 N. Post Road, Shelby, NC 28152, Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, or The Ted G. Westmoreland Scholarship Endowment, Clemson University, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, South Carolina 29633

Clay-Barnette Funeral Home is serving the family of Dr. Westmoreland.

Online condolences can be made at www.claybarnette.com


Printer-friendly format