Dr. Ted Callicott

Longtime local dentist, Dr. Ted Callicott, age 91 of Paris, TN, died Friday, May 18, 2018, at Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, TN.

He was a 1944 graduate of E.W. Grove School.  He served in the US Army Air Force during WWII.  He graduated in 1949 from Murray State University.  He then went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee Dental School.  Dr. Ted was the longest and oldest practicing dentist in the state of Tennessee, where he practiced for 65 years.  He joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (B.P.O.E.) in 1955, holding all offices in the Paris Lodge, serving as Exalted Ruler in 1958.  He was a member of the board of directors for many years and held an honorary life membership of the Paris Lodge.  He later served as the 1972 President of the Tennessee Elks Association.  He took special interest in the ritualistic work of the Order.  He was named National President in 1987, Elkdom’s highest office.  He was the sponsor of the local lodges in Iowa and Missouri.  He won the Distinguished Alumnus of Murray State University in 1989.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Paris.

Ted was born September 1, 1926, in Paris, TN, to the late Hunter Wesley Callicott and the late Jewell Brannon Callicott.

He was married March 9, 1984, to Betsy Dye Callicott, who survives, of Paris, TN.

Along with his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Kathy (Larry) Ray of Buchanan, TN; one grandson, Chris (Wendy) Ray of Memphis, TN; and one great grandson, Jacob Ray.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Lowell Callicott.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN, where visitation will be Saturday, May 19, 2018, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and continue Sunday, May 20, 2018, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.  The funeral service will be Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 2:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Steve Gallimore officiating.

Pallbearers will be Dr. David Travis, Chris Ray, Eddie Wilson, Jack Frost, Randy Shook, and Ronnie Attkisson.  Named as Honorary Pallbearers are all of Dr. Ted's B.P.O.E. friends.

An Elks service will take place at graveside at Walker Cemetery in Paris, TN, with burial to follow.

Memorials may be made to:  Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614-1889.