Norbert Theodore “Ted” Andrews, 71, of Hillsborough, passed away on March 30, 2025, at Duke University Hospital surrounded by his family.
Ted was born on April 7, 1953, to Mary Whitfield Andrews and Norbert King Andrews. He grew up in the Orange Grove community, graduating from Orange High School in 1971 and earning his Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University in 1975. After graduation, Ted began teaching and coaching in Caldwell County before returning home to Orange County to teach and coach at nearby Lowe’s Grove Junior High in Durham. It was there he met his Carolina girl, the love of his life, Katherine.
Ted and Katherine married in Charlotte in 1980. They shared over 44 years of marriage, living out their vows “in sickness and in health,” with unconditional love, faithful devotion, and a healthy dose of laughter. Together they raised identical twin daughters and enjoyed making priceless family memories while traveling across the state and beyond, most often for UNC sporting events, bowl games, or family vacations spanning from the mountains to the coast. Ted was particularly fond of visiting “Buzzard Bay” while living in Wilmington during his daughters’ early years and later enjoyed adventures around his family’s cabin in Sparta (“God’s Country”). He always looked forward to family beach trips in Pine Knoll Shores and Ocean Isle Beach, where he loved staking out “a good spot” early in the morning, walking the beach, people watching/providing his own comical commentary, and eating local seafood. Ted was a proud Tar Heel born North Carolinian and he shared his love and knowledge of the state with his daughters.
Though Ted was athletic and fiercely competitive at heart, he remained grounded in his Christian faith. He served as a deacon at Cane Creek Baptist Church and was active in several ministries. Ted walked through life as a genuinely kind and humble man, continually offering a spirit of connection and service to others. He was a true friend to all who knew him. He had an incredible memory for sports trivia/history (most notably, anything and everything Carolina!), and was known across online forums as “tarheelted.” Of all the positions he played in life, being a grandfather called “Bop” was his favorite.
During his career, Ted worked in business and education, as an accounts receivable manager for both CP&L and Waste Industries, and a teacher of secondary career and technical education. His dedication was evident in all areas, whether teaching, coaching, attending his daughters’ events, or running the clock for McDougle Middle School basketball games well into retirement. He also dabbled in sundry hobbies including beekeeping, hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, Costco shopping and sampling, and genealogy/family history. Later in life, Ted pursued his interest in North Carolina’s Civil War history and served as treasurer for the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Captain Robert Bingham Camp. He fought his recent health challenges with unmatched strength and perseverance, ultimately and undoubtedly achieving his final victory in the Lord.
Ted was preceded in death by his father, Norbert Andrews, his father-in-law, Robert Caudle, his nephew, Mitchell Andrews, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved.
Ted is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Katherine Caudle Andrews of Hillsborough; daughters, Elizabeth Andrews of Chapel Hill, Meredith Andrews Bagley (Chad) of Greenville; granddaughter, Lydia Bagley; and stepgrandson, Cameron Bagley. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Andrews of Hillsborough; brothers, Everette Andrews (Dale) of Hillsborough, Don Andrews (Dot) of Asheville; mother-in-law, Bet Caudle of Charlotte; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cindy Bobay, Randy Caudle, and Artis Caudle, of Charlotte; and special nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, and great nephews across the Carolinas.
Ted’s family invites all who wish to honor his life to a funeral service on Saturday, April 5, at 2:00 pm at Cane Creek Baptist Church (6901 Orange Grove Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278). Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:45 pm prior to the service and burial will follow at Cane Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
The family extends their greatest appreciation to Duke University Hospital’s MICU staff and providers, along with the 10B Hematology/Oncology teams for their skilled and compassionate care in 2025.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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