Theodore M. Frick

Theodore Meetze Frick of Columbia, SC passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born on November 5th, 1940, at Baptist Hospital to Daniel Franklin Frick and Thelma Meetze Frick. He was better known as Ted or Teddy, though he had an abundance of nicknames! Ted grew up in the Earlewood Park area of Columbia. He was baptized and confirmed at Reformation Lutheran Church and graduated from the “old” Columbia High School. He received a diploma from the S.C. Area Trade School (now better known as Midlands Technical College) in 1964 for HVAC. In 1974, after many hours of night school, attending part-time, and lots of encouragement from his mother Thelma, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In September of 1962, while working at Leitzsey Distributing, he (unknowingly at the time) met his soulmate, Linda Day. Obviously meant for each other, they became engaged in December 1962 and married on February 23, 1963. In November of 1964, a new job opportunity arose in Dallas, Texas and the couple moved west. In September of 1965, their daughter Stephanie Day Frick-Martin was born. Six months later, due to a rather bad case of homesickness, the trio moved back to South Carolina. In October of 1967, the family grew as they welcomed their son Ted Franklin Frick. Ted’s 32-year career in the HVAC industry was spent at several different venues. He taught at Midlands Technical College from 1966-1975. He then tried his hand at sales with Stewart Supply in Greenville and Epting Distributors in Columbia. He returned to teaching at Brookland-Cayce High School from 1978-1984. He finally returned to Midlands Technical College where he retired in 1998. Ted also had his own side business, “Flim Flam Refrigeration!” He was a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, the Earlewood Masonic Lodge, and the Jamil Temple Shriners. For the past 30 years, Ted and Linda have been active members of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Ted sang in the choir and assisted with a multitude of projects over the years. He loved being involved in the church and helping wherever he was able. Ted loved his entire family deeply. He was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. To many others, he was an “Adopted” grandfather. He was a very talented woodworker, woodcarver, and all-around handyman. There was almost nothing he could not do! Ted is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Linda Day Frick; his children Ted F. Frick (Laura) and Stephanie Frick Martin; grandchildren, Victor Frick, Grant Frick, Marla Frick, Christa Martin, and Aaron Martin; brother, Daniel F. Frick II (Lauren) and brother-in-law, Donnie Day; nieces, Lisa Frick Szuhy, Kristin Dox McNally, Bree Day and Jenny Dox; nephews, Daniel F. Frick, III, Charles Frick, and Jeff Reynolds. He had many great-nieces, nephews, and dear friends that he loved as well. Ted was surrounded by his family and his room was filled with love in the last hours of his life. His beloved wife held his hand until his last breath. There were many people and activities that Ted loved in this life, but he loved Linda above all else. Earth became a little darker with his departure, but Heaven lit up as he entered in glory. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him but, we take comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited for eternity. A visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church (400 River Road, Columbia, SC 29212) on Saturday, June 4th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. The service will follow immediately afterwards. Memorials may be made to the church.