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Theodore "Teddy" George Solomon, Sr. of New Orleans, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 7, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old. Son of the late Najeeb and America Solomon, Teddy was born in Port Arthur, TX on January 5, 1920 and grew up in McComb, MS. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration before serving his country during World War II as a member of the Army Air Force. After the war, he returned to McComb, MS and married Doris Julia Carwie of Mobile, AL in 1949. They and their six children relocated to New Orleans in 1969. Teddy's rise to become a pioneer of the film industry began as a child when he worked in the silent movie house built by his father and uncle. In 1948 he entered the family business, forming Gulf States Theatres. In his seven decades in the movie business, Teddy owned and operated every kind of theatre, from indoor single screens, to drive-ins and stadium-style megaplexes. A true example of the American Dream, Teddy worked hard his entire life, growing his family's single movie house into multiple theatres and drive-ins spread across eight states. In 1975, he was elected president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, where he led the reform of film bidding practices that continue to shape the industry. Teddy began the Louisiana Film Commission, the entity that would ultimately help establish Louisiana as "Hollywood South." During a lifetime worthy of the silver screen, this son of a Lebanese immigrant built a theatre empire, sharing his immense love for the movies with countless others. But for all of the success he had in life, marrying Doris was Teddy's greatest honor. Equally well-known for his philanthropy, Teddy (affectionately known as "T.G." by his friends and family) supported several important local and national organizations, including the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, Variety Club, and the Will Rogers Institute. He was happy to share his wealth in many different ways, from his endowment of the Solomon Victory Theatre at The National WWII Museum, to his gift of the popular train ride at historic New Orleans City Park. When Teddy wasn't working at his businesses or civic efforts, he enjoyed Lebanese food, playing host to celebrities, dancing and fishing. Teddy was honored to receive a host of awards during his storied career, including his selection to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame (1993), New Orleans Man of the Year (1996), ShowWester of the Year (2004), Junior Achievement Lifetime Achievement (2004), and the Ogden Museum Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) to name only a few. He also reigned as King Hermes XLIX (1989). He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. Teddy is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Carwie, and six children: George Solomon (Karen), Gloria Carter (Stephen), Gladys Brown (Jim), Glenda Bradley (Jim), Gary Solomon (Martha) and Glenn Solomon (Margaret). He also is survived by sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. T.G. was preceded in death by his two sisters, Yvonne Solomon Thomas and Gloria Solomon. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held at the Church beginning at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in METAIRIE CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, 54296 Louisiana 445, Loranger, LA 70446, or to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, 10045 Riverside Drive, Third Floor, Toluca Lake, CA 91602. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Doris and George,
My deep sympathy for the loss of Teddy. Your friendship with Aunt Celia and Uncle J.O. led to several wonderful summers in McComb, up from Gulfport, at your fine place on Lake Dixie Springs. These many years have passed like the pages tearing off the calendars in one of Teddy's movies. May God keep teddy and all of you in His peace.
Ernest Martin
April 19, 2013
T.G.'s spirit and zest for life will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you durning the quiet times and may there be peace in knowing how he affected so many people durning his life he will have a great legacy. I am so blessed to have had great fun memories of him
Kathy Broders
April 15, 2013
I shared a seat on the Louisiana Film Commission with Teddy back in the 80s. Teddy was the kindest, most compassionate gentleman I had ever had the pleasure of knowing. Though we had lost contact over the past 25 years, I have vivid memories of this bright and giving gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
Jerry Leggio, Baton Rouge
April 15, 2013
Doris,
I just learned about the loss of our wonderful T.G. My thoughts are wisth you and your family. I shared so many wonderful memories.
Elaine Williamson Crain
April 13, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bart Trigg
April 12, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. T.G was a great man and I had the pleasure to work for the Solomon family for many years and learned a lifetime of knowledge collectively from them. My condolences go out to the entire family and also to my good friends & mentors Gary & George Solomon at this time of your families loss. I will keep your father as well as your entire family in our prayers.
Doug & Donna Schwab
April 11, 2013
Condolences to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Bob & Julie Murphy
April 11, 2013
My very deepest sympathy in the loss of T.G. I first knew him when as a child,I would travel with my dad, who represented Columbia Pictures, to McComb. Then many years later, he had the boathouse 2 doors from ours at West End. He was always a kind, generous man and was liked and respected by all who knew him.
Sue Ricketts Halpern
April 11, 2013
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mr. T.G. He will be sorely missed.
Lisa Emboulas Farrell
April 11, 2013
Condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone who knew him. We live on in the lives of those we leave behind.
Sylvia Senter
April 10, 2013
A great friend. Many fond memories of our times together. A true man of his word, he will be missed.
Shelby Smith
April 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you all. I am probably the person who has known him the longest. We had a lot of good times together. He was a unique person and we will miss him.
John Wicklund
April 10, 2013
We are truly sorry to hear of your loss. We want to extend our condolences to you and your family at this time. Sincerest Sympathies, The Moody Law Firm
Chris Moody
April 10, 2013
My condolences go out to the Solomon family at this time. I met Mr. Solomon through his son George from being an employee of Southern Theatres, LLC. He would always have me laughing everytime he would call for his son George. He is sadly missed by many and the family is in my prayers at this time.
Lu'Chana "Lucy" Keller
April 10, 2013
You will be missed by all but God is getting a very special man to look over us. We love you and may your family always have great memories of your dad. I know I have for over 35 years!! God bless your family!
Patsy Lundin
April 10, 2013
Doris, I remember many days together as our husbands started out as film reps together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Doris Nunn Harvey - widow of Floyd Harvey
Doris Nunn Harvey
April 10, 2013
Dear Doris, Gary, Martha and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. We have all lost a great citizen and a great American. With deepest sympathy, Judge Jim and Judy Haik Dennis
April 10, 2013
My sister and I both had the privilege of working for TG many years ago. We both look back upon those days with fondness. He taught me that "work" can be something fun which you enjoy. I know you are grieving his loss, but please take comfort in the fact that he had a positive impact on many people during his lifetime. Yvette (and Catherine) D'Aunoy.
April 10, 2013
dORIS AND fAMILYM I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND TEDDY THROUGH MY FAMILY. ALWAYS ENJOYED BEING AROUND YOU AND TEDDY.TEDDY ALWAYS LIVENED THE THE GROUP OR PARTY. SINCERELY, JOHN WILLIAM HOPE{MELTON MOORE'S NEPHEW] PANAMA CITY , FLA.
April 10, 2013
The children of Ernest Clinton--Jim, Anita and Philip Clinton, send our deepest sympathy. Our fathers were colleagues on the Miss. Exhibitors Assoc. many, many years ago. I loved speaking with your father about those bygone days, and my father always spoke so highly of him. He will be deeply missed.
Philip Clinton
April 10, 2013
Louisiana has loss a GREAT FRIEND. I was fortunate to sit with Teddy during the 88 Republican Convention in New Orleans-and the two of usDID enjoy that Convention. Former Governor Treen, Teddy and myself,from time to time, did enjoy talking Politics and reliving the Politics of days gone by. I shall always remember him with fond thoughts and memories. Louisiana and I will TRULY miss him...Prayers to all his family....linda talbert, Mandeville/Shreveport, Louisiana
linda talbert
April 10, 2013
Dear George: My deepest sympathy over the loss of your great Father. Reading about him made me realize he had many great accomplishments, including you. May God be with you and your family through this most difficult time. He will live forever in your hearts and is now in heaven. God Bless you and give you peace.
DIANE F COOPER
April 10, 2013
Teddy Was a wonderful guy. When you met him you were a
better person from this.
Sorry for you great loss.
Mimi and Skip Shlenker
Simon Shlenker III
April 10, 2013
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE SOLOMON FAMILY . GARY IN THIS SADDEN TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY I WANTED TO REFLECT ON A HAPPIER TIME. I NEVER SAW TG MORE EXCITED THAN WHEN WE WERE FIGHTING THAT GIANT BLUE MARLIN OFF THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER FOR 5 HOURS. HE WAS WRITING THE SCRIPT IN HIS MIND FOR A STORY TO TELL HIS GRANDKIDS. WELL AFTER BACKING DOWN ON THAT BEAST FOR 3 MILES THE LINE BROKE ON THE TRANSOM.TG STILL NEVER LOST HIS PASSION FOR FISHING DISPITE THAT DISSAPOINTMENT. WILL MISS HIM DEEPLY.HUNTER
HUNTER &CHERYL CHARVET
April 9, 2013
Doris and family we send our tohughts to you! Over the years with T.G we shared a lot of film, finance and friendship together! To reach a true expression of feeling there must be an economy of words!Bless you TEDDY....
Peggy and Bob Steuer
April 9, 2013
The family of "Teddy" Solomon:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this sorrowful time. I remember "Teddy" well as he was a class mate of my late husband, Edmund E.(Pat) Harang -LSU.God Bless all of you, Mary Kate) Harang , Harahan, La.
Mary K. Harang
April 9, 2013
Dear Ms Doris and family, I am sadden by the loss on Mr T.G. and know he is at peace. May you find comfort and strenght in your family and in the love of our Lord. With much sympathy, Wayne Christenberry
April 9, 2013
Doris and family , my family thought so very much of "Teddy" . We knew you both and your older children in McComb and enjoyed your friendship in and out of the church. I ,and my three children , wish you all God speed and many blessings due you for all your generosity . Jean Covington Jackson Bulloch
April 9, 2013
I remember my father, Arthur Barnett, speaking many times of Teddy Solomon. They were both in the motion picture business together. Please know my sister and I are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Ellen Barnett Cleary
April 9, 2013
Doris and family,My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have many fond childhood memories of Teddy and family when we would visit "down south" every year. My mother was Mary Ann Kafoure Leas of Indianapolis. I was so impressed to see a movie in the movie theater in your home. But mostly, I remember warm friendly times. Teddy was a very special person. Sincerely, Honey Leas of Brea, CA
April 9, 2013
Gary & Martha
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your loving father. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Ronald & Barbara Barnes
April 9, 2013
I'm going to miss you so much Teddy. I was crazy about you and always had fun when around you. Brenda DiMaro
April 9, 2013
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