Joseph Louis Tedford

My first friend, my only sibling. Such wonderful memories of spending entire days exploring the woods where we grew up in both Glastonbury and Hebron, you asked Dad to borrow the truck when he was asleep to joyride through the field, building forts, running through corn fields, building go-karts and target practice. Watching you eat a dozen pancakes for breakfast or multiple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you truly had a hollow leg! We had fun-filled days spent outside where it was always best. I am forever grateful for our summer visits during your short yet fierce battle. Love you Joe and you will forever be in my heart.

Joe, my love. My sweetheart. My beautiful, beautiful man. My heart is filled with joy because I called you mine. I am a better person because of you and every moment spent with you was a gift from our loving God. It was my privilege to walk alongside you, for all of these years, and a most sacred honor to care for you these past several months. Our girls have immortalized you with their love and words. Well done, my love, they are amazing young women who are loyal, caring, fierce and kind; just like their father! Joe, because of you I know what safe and love feel like! Loving you was absolutely effortless!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Joe, you are my greatest blessing! Abba, please continue to hug the hearts of those who feel the loss of our amazing Joe. Grant them a peace that surpasses all understanding so there is no doubt that it comes from You. Remind us, Holy Spirit, to be intentional with our thoughts. Help us to embrace the sadness with gratitude and the grief with joy. Thank you, King Jesus, for welcoming our Joe with the most beautiful words he has ever heard…” Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant. Enter Into Your Rest!” My sweet love, I will see you again. Until that day I will continue to honor The Trinity, love our girls and grand babies deeply, and speak your precious name daily!

My dad was a wonderful example of a good man. He worked hard to provide for his wife and family, helped others whenever he could, embraced sharing emotions, supported his daughters as they entered new chapters in their lives, embraced his son in laws as his own and loved his grandchildren deeply. When my father’s short battle with cancer began the very first thing, he said is that he would never stop fighting. He was always focused on being supportive, wanting to be present whenever able. Through his journey, he was able to reap what he had sowed for so many years. Being able to see the love, dedication, support, kindness, and selflessness that he provided for his entire life to others be so eagerly returned to him was humbling. My children and my husband were so blessed to be able to know him even for the short time that they did. He was and will forever be, a standard to hold ourselves to when trying to be the best as humanly possible. God couldn’t wait to have you back home dad, I can’t blame him. You are our guide to focus on the most important things above all else and until we see you again, we will continue to work to make you and our good Lord proud!

Joseph Tedford wore many hats over his 56 years of life. He wore the hat of a husband where he loved Tanee beyond words, cared for her, and brought her to her knees with laughter. He wore the hat of being called dad and haha, where he loved and cared for his kids and grandkids so deeply, and always went above and beyond for them. He wore the hat of being a father-in-law, where he taught them skills and lessons to care for his daughters. He wore the hat of being a friend, where he was always willing to lend a hand and showed up when needed. He wore the hat of being a mechanic and could fix nearly anything and everything. The last hat he wore was that of a fighter, where he fought for his life daily. He showed strength and determination until the very last breath. To have known Joe over his lifetime is to have been loved by him and impacted by him. He will be missed, but he will be spoken of and remembered daily by so many people.

Dad was one of the greatest people. He was kind, caring, hilarious, patient, and helpful. I remember him letting me tag along during hunting season when I was a kid. Even though I didn’t know how to whisper and couldn’t stop moving, dad always let me join. He made everyone around him feel included, appreciated, and loved.

In his short 56 years on this earth, he taught my sisters and I many important life lessons, including that life isn’t fair. Dad deserved all the time in the world to enjoy his life and retirement. To take multiple trips to the beach and spend hours metal detecting along the coast. To make his wife, children, and grandchildren laugh more. To build more puzzles, even if they irritated him at times. Instead, we are only left with memories to cherish. Until we meet again, I love you, Dad.

As you may know, Joe loved to metal detect and he loved the beach! In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to Joe’s Go Fund Me titled Joe Tedford’s Tiny Treasure Diggers. Those funds will be used to purchase metal detectors for underprivileged youth throughout South Carolina. Joe’s love for discovering hidden treasures will live on through the lives of others!

https://gofund.me/efaf5938

Lastly, SAVE THE DATE JANUARY 10-12, 2025, for Joe’s CELEBRATION OF LIFE!! If you would like to be a part of this weekend celebration text your email address to Tanee or one of their girls.