Theodore George Pappas

Theodore George Pappas, 92, passed away on April 18, 2017. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 19, 1924. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Annette "Jane" Dickenson Pappas, six daughters, Jenny (Ken) Breeden, Celeste (Curt) Jones, Stephenie (Barrett) Joyner, Harriet (Ken Horii) Pappas, Karen Embry, Eva (Geoff) Cederholm, ten grandchildren, one great grandchild, brother Angelo (Maria) Pappas, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steve G. Pappas, sister, Marie Pappas Pitsikoulis and nephew, George A. Pappas.

As a young man, Ted mastered the clarinet and led the Teddy Pappas Orchestra, playing "Music Hot and Sweet for Every Occasion." He left the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1943 to volunteer for the Army. He was trained in Russian and in military intelligence. He served in the European Theater of Operations as a Master Sergeant in the 99th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Ted attended Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Law School. He was a member of the Order of the Coif and was Case Editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review.

Ted practiced law in Waverly, Tennessee and then became General Counsel for Southern Bell Telephone Company in Nashville. In 1966 he joined Bass Berry & Sims and became the first managing partner there. He dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to Bass Berry & Sims. His clients and the lawyers and staff of the firm were not only business colleagues, they were also his friends.

He served as a member of the Judicial Council of the State of Tennessee and was President of the Nashville Bar Association. Ted was a Fellow of both the International Society of Barristers and the Tennessee Bar Foundation. He was listed for 24 consecutive years as one of the Best Lawyers in America.

A member of Belle Meade Country Club, Ted was a dedicated golfer. He was a fine cook and a funny story teller, and he devoted himself to the health and happiness of his family.

Ted's family wants to thank Dr. Henry Jennings and Dr. Benjamin D. Womack for their care and friendship.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 4-7 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. A Trisagion will be at 7 PM Tuesday evening at the Church. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 11 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4905 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220.