Theodore ("Tedster") Traylor Thomas Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2021, at his home in Loveland, Ohio, following a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Doris D. Thomas, his three children, Ellen Thomas-Arnold, William Thomas and John Thomas (Marguerite), and his former daughter-in-law, Yasmin Thomas. He was a proud grandfather to Aaron (Michell), Colin (Tory), Evan (Arielle), Amina (Drew), Omar, Yun Yi and Mei, great-grandfather to Taylor and Adeley, and great-great-grandfather to baby Millie. He is also survived by his sister, Susanna Mills and nieces, Jennifer Price, Laura Young, Marcella Brescia and nephew, Thomas Mills. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Frances Young and Sylvia Thomas, as well as two brothers-in-law, Richard Young and Herbert Mills. Ted was born and raised in Pearisburg, Virginia, to the late Theodore Sr. and Marcella Thomas. A famously lackluster student, he graduated from the Greenbrier Military Academy and in 1957 received a BA in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA. He and Doris, also from the same small town, were married in 1954, while he was in the U.S. Army and stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. His career began in Canoga Park, CA, at the Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation, birthplace of the Redstone engine, designing propulsion systems for rocket engines. He and Doris and their young family settled into the San Fernando Valley and spent blissful years making many lifelong friends. In 1966 they relocated to Cincinnati, OH, and he began his distinguished career with the General Electric Company Aircraft Engine Group. Among many accomplishments, in 1981, he was awarded the Perry T. Egbert Jr. award for outstanding technical achievement. From 1983 until his retirement in 1994 he was responsible for all turbine aerodynamic and cooling design programs at GE Evendale. He is listed in the 1996-1997 "Who's Who" of the International Gas Turbine Institute and was inducted to the GE Aircraft Engines Propulsion Hall of Fame in 2003. After retirement, he and Doris enjoyed countless golf trips, cruises and took many long, cross country car trips to California. They toured every national park in their path, often in the company of their grandkids. Locally, Ted played in a golf league, was an usher for many years at their church, Covenant-First Presbyterian Church, hosted dinner parties with Doris and, quite simply, enjoyed life. Ted was famous for his sense of humor and distinctive Virginian accent and manner of speaking. His appreciation for all things quirky and humorous was well-known. Years ago, he spent an entire weekend sitting in his recliner, with blank VHS cassettes, recording every episode of his favorite show, Monty Python's Flying Circus, during a PBS marathon. In addition to his family, he leaves behind a long list of friends, associates and colleagues. An unforgettable character, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him. The family would like to thank the caretakers in Memory Way at Magnolia Springs, where Ted resided the past four years, for the care and compassion they showed for him. Plans are under way for a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or have a tree planted in his honor at a national park through A Living Tribute (alivingtribute.org). Condolence messages are welcomed through the Tufts Schildmeyer website.