Theodore Benedict Kohn, Jr.

Theodore B. Kohn, Jr., 86, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the city he always called home. Born on February 12, 1940, in Columbia, he was the son of the late Theodore B. Kohn, Sr. and Margaret Kohn.

Teddy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Betty Funderburk Kohn; his sister, Barbara; and his son-in-law, Alex Apostolou.

He is survived by his son, Theodore B. Kohn, III and his wife Laura, and their children, Jesse and Lucy; his daughter, Harriet Kohn Apostolou, and her children, Evy and Nicholas; and his daughter, Caroline Kohn Perlman and her husband Scott, and their children, Ruthie and Leah.

Teddy lived a life rooted in family, friendship, and a deep love for the places and traditions that shaped him. A proud graduate of Dreher High School, he was a cheerleader and a member of the Dark Horsemen, forming friendships and memories that stayed with him for a lifetime. He was a Sigma Nu and a cheerleader at the University of South Carolina, where he earned degrees in English and Philosophy. After he graduated, his love for the Gamecocks only deepened. If the Gamecocks were playing, Teddy was watching—always with enthusiasm and loyalty.

A natural wordsmith, Teddy had a gift for storytelling. He never rushed a story, preferring instead to savor every detail, drawing in his listeners with wit, humor, and a perspective that made even the simplest moments feel meaningful. His most famous story was his retelling of the Sigma Nu prank at the 1961 Carolina–Clemson game—a story he was always happy to share and one that, as he would say with a smile, “if you know, you know.”

Dancing was another language Teddy spoke fluently. An expert shag dancer, he approached it with both joy and precision, and a natural easy rhythm.

He taught his daughters to dance, holding their hands firmly and guiding them step by step in the kitchen to the sounds of the Big Chill soundtrack and James Brown’s “I Feel Good.” At weddings, friends of both Betty and his daughters would line up for a turn on the dance floor with Teddy. Betty would sometimes say women were always cutting in, but it made her proud that she was one who married Teddy Kohn.

Teddy served for nearly a decade in the United States Navy Reserves. He went on to build a long and successful career with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, where he worked for more than 35 years in both sales and management, serving in Columbia, Augusta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

In retirement, Teddy and Betty found their way to Georgetown, South Carolina, a place they truly loved. There, they were active members of Georgetown Presbyterian Church and embraced the slower pace, coastal beauty, and friendships that filled those years with happiness. In 2023, Teddy and Betty moved back to Columbia together to Wildewood Downs, where they continued to be surrounded by care, comfort, and community.

Teddy often said that his finest achievement was his family — his long and enduring love and marriage to Betty, and the children they raised together in a loving home. He was infinitely proud of his children and the spouses they chose — Teddy loved Scott, Alex and Laura as if they were his own children. He was especially proud of the families they created. Teddy adored his grandchildren, and took delight in each child’s uniqueness. They called him Big Daddy, and he told them endless stories and showered them with love.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Hospice, especially CNA Myrthis Thompson. They are also deeply grateful for the care and companionship shown to Teddy by his caregivers:

Mary Jackson, who brought him joy and levity in sharing Lady Gamecocks games together.

We are especially grateful for Viola Harris and her extraordinary devotion. Viola cared for both Betty and Teddy with a level of love that can only be described as a calling. During his final months, Viola gave tirelessly of herself to care for Teddy — often working well beyond what anyone could expect—ensuring comfort, dignity, and constant presence. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love were a true gift to Teddy and to his family, and will remain a lasting part of his story.

A service to celebrate Teddy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina. A catered reception will follow.

Teddy will be remembered for the stories he told, the music he danced to, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends.