Theodore Day

Theodore A. Day, Sr., 78, of Jefferson Township, born April 10, 1942 in Xenia, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 3, 202l. He was the son of James Henry Day and Lula Mary Banks Day. Theodore accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at First United Christian Church in Xenia, Ohio.

He was married to Carolyn Fairfax-Day, better known as “Bunny”, on March 21, 1965 and they shared a lifetime of love and happiness. They both devoted their lives to raising two wonderful sons, Theodore, Jr. (Lil Ted) and Alexander (Pat). They traveled extensively throughout the United States and the Caribbean Islands, usually with their five oldest grandsons. He was devoted to all his grandchildren and they affectionately called him, "Papa." He was also called by many other nicknames such as Ted, Joker, Teddy Bear and Popcorn.

Theodore was a talented athlete. He was in the fourth grade when he found the love of basketball. He also played football, baseball and ran track. As a young boy, his goal was to become an All-American Basketball Player. He excelled in the game at Xenia High School. He played four years on the varsity team - skipping the reserve team. He was selected to the All-Ohio Basketball team 1959-1960; three-time All Miami Valley League Selection and three-time MVL Champs 1958-1960 with a perfect record, amassed 59 wins and 8 losses at XHS; single game rebound (33) record.

Theodore attended Tennessee State University, but later transferred to Central State University and graduated in 1972. He was the starting guard for the Marauders for four years and was the leading scorer in his 14-8 freshman season. Moreover, he was the starting guard for Central State University's 1965 Marauder basketball team which won the university's first National Association of Intercollegiate Championship with an unprecedented undefeated record (30-0). The team also won the Mid-Western Athletic Association Championship where Theodore was selected as most valuable player in the conference tournament. He later added NAIA All American recognition and was named to the NAIA All-Tournament. Theodore gave credit to Coach William C. Lucas and Coach Administrator Vivian Lewis as the driving force behind his success. Theodore stayed in contact with his team members Jerry Tillman, deceased; Ken Wilburn, deceased; Bee Bryant, Tulsa Oklahoma; Pete Cunningham, Lansing, Michigan; William Cody Anderson; and Howard Hayes, not a team member, but a good friend of the team. Theodore would host a dinner for the team every Central State University Homecoming. He loved his team members and talked with them frequently.

Because of his many accomplishments in high school and college, he was chosen to be inducted into the Donald K. Anthony Marauder Athletic Hall of Fame at Central State University in 1990. On May 17, 2008, his 1965 basketball team was chosen to be inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2011, the Xenia High School held its first inaugural, Xenia High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class. It was an honor to be one of ten athletes selected to be inducted into the first Hall of Fame Class.

He was active in the community and enjoyed mentoring young people. After graduating with a degree in Health Physical Education & Recreation, most of his jobs centered around community service. He worked as Program Director at the East Dayton YWCA. However, he was most proud of developing a meals on wheels program for children at McCabe Park, west side Dayton. Moreover, as Assistant Manager of Desoto Bass Courts, he implemented many athletic programs for children. Not only did Theodore work with children, but he also worked with adults as well. He was the Director of Recreation at the Dayton Rehabilitation Center. He worked with men who were incarcerated organizing athletic activities and arts and crafts activities. As he became closer to retirement, his job choices reverted to working in security, especially at General Motors.

Theodore was an exceptionally talented and creative individual. He was a great cook sharing his favorite dishes with family and friends during annual Fourth of July celebrations. He was an avid coin collector and had the whole family searching for valuable coins. Additionally, he was most proud of the title "Author." He and his brother Aaron Day are authors of the book, "The History and Heritage of Xenia, OH and the Day Family."

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and beloved wife of 55 years, Carolyn Fairfax Day; sons, Theodore Jr. (Dawn), Huber Heights, OH, Alexander (Kristy), Hilliard, OH; brothers, Aaron Day, Long Beach CA, Fred Day, Xenia, OH; sister, Sharon Day, Xenia OH; grandchildren, Theodore and Tyler Day, Jacksonville, FL, Alex Day, Hilliard, OH, Tevin Day, Atlanta, GA, Caleb Day, Chicago, IL, Lynsey Day, Miamisburg, OH, Kristopher Day, Hilliard, OH, Shawn Motley-Pierce and Sterling Day, Huber Heights, OH; great-grandson, Xavier Day, Reynoldsburg, OH; sisters-in-law, Wadie Day, Dayton, Ohio, Sandy (Harold) Helm, Columbus, OH; best friend, Bee Bryant, Tulsa, OK; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Walk-through visitation 10 am-12 noon Friday, February 19, at the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Live stream service at 12 noon. Link: www.facebook.com/Stream-All-Services-102620271622310/ Interment 11 am Saturday, February 20, at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave., Columbus, OH.