Rev. Eddie Roy Tealer, Sr.

Rev. Eddie Roy Tealer, Sr., 67, of Taylor, died Thursday, April 4, 2013, after a long illness. He was born September 22, 1945, to the late Robert and Lucille Tealer of Taylor. Both of his parents, his sisters Margaret Tealer Seaborn and Doris Neil Tealer Jackson Wiggins, and his brother Charles Tealer preceded him in death.
He graduated in 1964 from O. L. Price High School, where he actively participated in both football and band. He received further professional education and training through various Southern Baptist seminars, including Emphasis in Christian Education and Student Ministry; Powerful Studies in Sunday School and Bible Study Teaching (Certified Instructor); as well as Business A to Z – Edison Brothers Stores, Inc.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Tanksley Tealer; sons Eddie Jr., of Highland Village, Texas; Carl and wife Jessica of Thorndale; Barry and significant other Rosa Linda; and Gregory, all of Taylor; four grandchildren, Travian James, Sara Tealer, Barry Tealer, Jr., and Alyssa Tealer; two sisters, Margie Arnold and husband Alex of El Paso; Alice Griffin of Dallas; three brothers, Edward Tealer and wife Alice of Taylor; Frank Tealer and wife Loretta of San Antonio; and Kenneth Tealer of Beaumont; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was one of the first African American managers for Edison Brothers, Inc., for whom he worked over twenty years, supervising and managing nine stores that catered to men’s and women’s fashions in the Austin – Temple areas. Upon his retirement he was ordained as a Baptist minister and served as chairman of the Deacon Board and then as Associate Minister at Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Taylor.
He was active in his church and community, serving on numerous boards and organizations, including Taylor I.S.D. Board of Education; YMCA; Williamson County Salvation Army; and the local chapter of the NAACP. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Taylor Youth Midnight Basketball and Summer Food Program (City of Taylor and Taylor I.S.D.), Taylor Ministerial Alliance, and a Taylor Elementary School tutor. He was active as well in Christian education, leading minister and discipleship training; deacon training study group and seminars; recruiting and training Sunday School leaders; teaching youth and adult Sunday School classes and directing Vacation Bible School.
One of the things that he was proudest of was telling people about Jesus, and giving them hope, in order to provide a better understanding of their faith in God. Among the ways he accomplished this was by visiting and praying with the sick and elderly, especially those in nursing homes. Through counseling and prayer he gave many people a chance to voice their concerns and problems. He often said that the one thing he wanted to do was to give more of himself to others, especially those in need. As an avid sports fan, he was an ardent supporter of the University of Texas Longhorns, and he admired men’s and women’s achievements. But he didn’t look to them as his role models. He only considered Jesus as the one to follow, and always looked to God as his answer.
Rev. Tealer’s advice to others was to study hard and never stop acquiring as much knowledge as possible. Most importantly, be respectful of others, be honest, and love your family and friends. Enjoy life, because what you are experiencing today is creating and molding you into a mature human being in the future.
He often said that for too long ministers have been serving out of their own power, and it is time to come back to God as a church. He always believed that pastors should set an example, leading by serving people, giving them the spiritual nourishment that God has provided. He will now be able to do this in our hearts and spirits, and his example will always be with us.

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.—Romans 14–8.

Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday, April 12, 2013 at Providence Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will follow at the Taylor City Cemetery.