Teddy Joe "Roady" Maiden

Saltville, VA

Teddy Joe "Roady" Maiden, a cherished member of the Saltville community and a remarkable athlete, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, at Abingdon Health and Rehab. Born on September 19, 1936, to the late Sherman and Gladys H. Maiden, Ted grew up in Saltville, VA, where he would go on to become a local sports legend.

Ted's athletic talents shone brightly from a young age. At Saltville High School in the late 1950s, he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, baseball, basketball, and track. A 1955 graduate, Ted was a three-year letterman in four sports. As quarterback, he led the Saltville Shakers to an undefeated football season in 1955, and as a skilled pitcher and infielder, he guided his baseball team to a district title in his senior year. Ted also made his mark on the basketball court and the track field, competing in the state meet in the half-mile relay.

Ted continued his athletic career at East Tennessee State University, where he played baseball for the Bucs and earned letters all four years. After college, Ted proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he continued to showcase his love for baseball, playing on the base's team.

After his military service, Ted returned to his beloved Saltville and played baseball with the Saltville Alkalis until 1968. He began his career in education as a teacher and coach at R. B. Worthy High School, later moving to Narrows High School in 1964. By 1967, he had returned to R. B. Worthy, dedicating the next seven years to coaching football, baseball, and golf. Under his leadership, the Shaker baseball team won the Region C Championship in 1970 and advanced to the state competition.

From 1974 to 1994, Ted served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at both R. B. Worthy High School and Northwood High School, leaving a lasting legacy as an exceptional educator, coach, and administrator. He retired in 1994 from the Smyth County School System. Even in retirement, Ted remained active in his community and enjoyed playing golf. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Above all his accomplishments, Ted will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, papa, teacher, coach, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his infant sister, Elizabeth Jane Maiden, and two brothers, Jimmy "Rex" Maiden and Bobby Lee Maiden.

Ted is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Patricia Lee Maiden of Saltville; his son, Keith Maiden, and wife, Jacquelyn, of Nairobi, Kenya; two grandchildren, Genevieve and Sebastian; two special friends, L.T. Olinger and Percy Lee; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to celebrate Ted's life will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Henderson Funeral Home, with Pastor Stan Dunham officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. before the service. Entombment services will follow at 11 a.m. on Friday at Mount Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, with military rites provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and V.F.W. Post #4667.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northwood High School Athletic Department, and also the Saltville Golf Club.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Teddy "Roady" Joe Maiden.