Norris Ringgold

Norris Ringgold, Sr., known to everyone as “Teddy,” was the son of the late Gladys and Ollie Ringgold. Teddy was born on January 28, 1931 in Baltimore City, Maryland and was called home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2006 after a long illness. H now joins his parents and seven of his siblings, Ollie Ringgold, Jr., Maggie Wingfield, Daniel Ringgold, Sr. and wife, Bertha, Dorothy Martin and her husband Thomas, Ralph Ringgold, Clifton Ringgold, and Flossie Ringgold, in peaceful rest.Teddy served in the Army as a Corporal during the Korean War for two tours of duty. He was honorably discharged and received the following commendations: Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.For many years Teddy was employed as a maintenance worker with Baltimore City at City Hospital and the Cloisters Children’s Museum until his retirement. Throughout his life he was a “self-made” man who owned and operated several businesses as well as worked construction and mechanic jobs free lance.Always remaining “true to his nature,” Teddy or Pop, as his sons called him spoke his mind often and very freely. Just as often, if not more, Teddy gave of his heart unselfishly to others at the “drop of a hat.” Many have benefited and can attest to the numerous times that he has taken children into his home to raise whether nephews, cousins, foster children, or friends; or the numerous times he has repaired, replaced, or built something for others with his own hands; or number of times he gave others money when they were in need, of course this was after he rumbled it up in his hands so you couldn’t see how much it was and more times than not it was much more than you expected. Most important of all the “gifts and talent” than Teddy shared, the most precious and priceless was his advice, mentorship and countless “stories.” Lessons learned, values and morals were interwoven within each and every line, word, and syllable, and letter. Teddy may not have gone “far” in formal education, but he certainly earned a Ph.D. in “LIFE.”Teddy leaves with fond and loving memories his wife, Eileen; sons Norris Jr. and José, Sr.; two daughters-in-law, Tonja Ringgold, and Faye Ringgold; grandchildren, José Ringgold II, Ashley Ringgold, Sequoia Ringgold, and Michael Ringgold; only surviving sibling, Doris Ball; four brothers-in-law, Henry, Melvin, Charles, and Donald Stewart; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Ewell and Ann Stewart; Special Friend, Carl Martin, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends.

Tributes

Norris Ringgold

January 28, 1931 - January 22, 2006