Theodric Harrell

Theodric Harrell, affectionately known as Thee, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Denver, Colorado, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on December 4, 2019. He was born on April 6, 1949, to the late Pertis and Leatrice Harrell in Chicago, Illinois. He was the first of three children.

Growing up in Chicago gave Thee access to two of his passions: jazz and golf. Thee was a gifted, classically trained musician. He could teach himself how to play pretty much any instrument, but was probably best known for playing the organ at Greater Bethesda M.B. Church in Chicago. When Thee was not listening to or playing jazz, he worked as a golf caddy for his uncles and musicians traveling through Chicago. By caddying, Thee not only met a number of his favorite musicians, but he also learned how to play golf.

After high school, Thee traveled to Atlanta, Georgia where he persuaded the Morehouse College admissions team to accept him into the incoming class. While at Morehouse, Thee became a member of the Grand Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Thee earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History, but stayed in Atlanta until the love of his life, Ginger Johnson Harrell, graduated from Spelman College. Thee and Ginger married on October 26, 1974, and moved to Denver, Colorado.

Thee was an avid reader and history enthusiast, so he worked as a book salesman when he and Ginger moved to Denver. He also hosted a jazz show on NPR and signed off each show by playing one of his favorite musicians, John Coletrane. But Thee, who was blessed with remarkable emotional intelligence, later became an investigator for the City of Denver, where he worked until his retirement.

With an infectious personality, Thee made the most of each day and rarely met a stranger. His jovial laugh would light up a room. Thee was a devoted family man, and his charismatic personality and sense of humor endeared him to many.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of forty-five years, Ginger; daughter, Nicci (William); brother, Pertis, Jr. (Betty); three brothers-in-law, Wendell, Jr. (Deirdre), Jeffrey, and Brian (Karen); two grandchildren, Eleanor and William; aunt, Marva Divinity; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Thee is preceded in death by his son, Cliffon (“Tete”); parents, Pertis Sr. and Leatrice; parents-in-law, Wendell and Rose Johnson; and brother, Alvin.

Consistent with Thee’s passion for golf, his family invites you to celebrate Thee’s life at Blackstone Country Club in Denver, Colorado on March 28, 2020, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The family has also designated the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for memorial contributions.