Harley had many titles and monikers during his lifetime, including Dr. Tefertiller, Dr. T., Coach, Brown, Sweetheart, Daddy and Grandpa. His many identities are a testament to his accomplishments, his mentorship, and the affection of his friends and loved ones.
Dr. Tefertiller was a lifelong educator who devoted himself to advancing Christian education in Texas as well as across the nation. As president of the Texas Christian Schools Association, Dr. Tefertiller oversaw the formation of a committee to establish a Christian school accreditation board after the Texas Education Agency discontinued the accreditation of private schools in 1985. This movement led to the creation of the Board of Accreditation of the National Christian Schools Association. Dr. Tefertiller was honored as the founding chairman of this board by a resolution in July of 1997. During his career, Dr. Tefertiller served as superintendent of Lubbock Christian School (Texas), Midland Christian School (Texas), Southwest Christian School (Fort Worth, Texas), Ouachita Christian School (Monroe, Louisiana) and Northland Christian School (Houston, Texas).
Dr. T. also served as a principal and a math teacher, where perhaps his love for education shone the brightest. He often remarked that his favorite part of his academic career was time spent mentoring his students. His math and people skills served him after he retired from education and began to sell oil and gas investments for Ranchland Energy with his lifelong friend, Dr. Jick Hill.
Coach led both men’s and women’s basketball teams. He was the coach of the Dallas Christian School men’s teams that won the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state championships in 1994 and 1996. It should be noted that the 1994 championship was unofficial, as the supposed loss came at the hands of a very poor call by in-game officials. He loved every part of basketball except referees.
Brown got his nickname in college at Abilene Christian University (Class of ’70), where he was compared to a lovable, brown bear. The Brown nickname served him well in life, as it is much easier to use that name at restaurants rather than spelling out “Tefertiller.” After three years of service in the United States Army, where he was a part of the 328th Army Band, he continued his education at Tarleton State University (M.Ed. ’75) and Texas Tech University (Ed.D. ‘81).
It was in college that Sweetheart met the love of his life, Theresa. They were married for 51 years, and she is not quite sure what she’ll do without him.
Perhaps his favorite names were Daddy and Grandpa. He will be missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Aaron Allaire of Liberty Hill, Texas, and his son and daughter-in-law, Alec and Bethany Tefertiller of Waco, Texas. He was especially fond of his grandchildren, Joshua Allaire, Johnathan Allaire, Jake Allaire, Mikayla Allaire and McKenzie Tefertiller.
Harley was born on September 6, 1948 in Andalusia, Alabama. He was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he spent much of his childhood chasing dolphins and exploring sandbars.
In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Harley will be missed by his brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Deb Tefertiller of Dunlap, Tennessee, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Elaine Franklin of Atlanta, Georgia, and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
Harley is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Tefertiller. His parents led him to faith in Jesus, who was the center of his life and in whose presence he now finds himself, basking in the glory of the Lord.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Creekside Building at Temple Bible Church, 3205 Oakview Dr., Temple, TX 76502. Visitation with the family will take place before the service at 10:00 am.
Harley will be laid to rest during a graveside ceremony on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Hwy. 195, Killeen, TX 76542.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Harley’s honor to one of the following nonprofits:
• Hope Pregnancy Center, Temple, TX (https://www.myegiving.com/App/Giving/eGiving-452323)
• ROCK: Ride On Center for Kids, Georgetown, TX (https://rockride.org/donate/)
