September 10, 1945 – May 20, 2021

Theodore Satterwythe Royster, Jr., AKA “Ted” and “Judge”, 75, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday. May 20, 2021, at Lexington Memorial Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 24 at Lexington Church of Christ by Preacher Brock Shanks. The family will receive friends after the service. A private burial 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. After graduating from Lexington Senior High School in 1963, Ted attended Wake Forest University on a football scholarship. After graduating from Wake, he worked as a probation officer before earning his law degree from Samford University School of Law. Ted returned to Lexington to practice law in 1973. He was proud to say that he worked as an assistant prosecutor under the direction of the famous “Butch” Zimmerman, who taught him the fine nuances of law. He remained in private practice as a “former lawyer”, often accepting corn and tomatoes as fees. In 2001, he was appointed to the post of judge of the district court. In 2008, he was elected a judge of the Superior Court and remained in that position until mandatory retirement in 2017. Ted really loved the law, the Constitution and this country. He was honored by the American Legion for continuing the practice of opening the court with the oath of allegiance. Ted was a dedicated and practicing Freemason, rising through the Scottish Rite to eventually earn his 32nd degree and be invited into the Royal Order of Scotland. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. As many know, Ted suffered a serious accident in 2008, making him quadriplegic. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to work as a Superior Court judge until his retirement. Before his injury, Ted led a busy life. Earlier in life he was a rider, cattle rancher, concealed transport instructor, sniper, and mountain hiker. As a licensed pilot, he loved nothing more than the majesty of flight. Little was known about his love for children and his talent as a magician. He carried “magic tricks” in his pocket to amuse children in his office and even on birthdays. Ted was calm in his demeanor, but was a devoted friend, husband, father and a true gentleman. He was a Bible scholar and loved his church and his church family, who faithfully supported him through many trying years. He was an inspiration to many. He was predeceased by his parents, Nancy and Ted Royster, Sr. and his sister, Nancy Jane Royster Bell. His wife, Patricia Berrier Royster, his sister, Rebecca Royster of Raleigh, his sons, Theodore Royster, Ill (Tad) of Winston Salem, James Royster (Raquel) of Murrells Inlet, SC, stepchildren, Courtney Bui, (Thi) , cherish his memory. of Raleigh, Allison West, (Jay) of Baltimore, MD, Brian Lewis of Asheville, NC, and seven grandchildren. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him very much, especially his special niece, Courtney, not to mention his “furry babies,” Deacon and Libba. The family would like to express special gratitude to so many who have helped us over the past 12 years: the many lawyers and friends who have spent hours helping with drills, home repairs and moral support, the Lexington Church of Christ who offered spiritual guidance and support. , lots of meals and hope, very special caregivers, Anibal Recinos, Jamie Holt and Dawn Galbreath, and the 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 is asking for donations to be made to the Lexington Church of Christ, 1330 Piedmont Drive, Lexington, NC 27292, Humane Society of Davidson County, PO Box 1791, Lexington NC 27293 or to a charity of its choice. Online condolences can be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net.

Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel

301 N. Main Street