Roll Call Tribute

Teddy Lewis Coe 

November 22, 1941 - October 5, 2024 

Dr. Teddy Lewis Coe passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on Saturday, November 22, 1941, in Portales, New Mexico. Ted was a devoted husband to Dr. Barbara Jean Coe, a steadfast older brother to his sisters, an adored uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a beloved professor and college administrator.

Ted earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in Accounting at Baylor University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Accounting from Texas A&M University. Ted started his professional career as an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Texas A&M University before becoming an Assistant Professor at New York University (NYU) in 1973. In 1980, he joined the University of North Texas (UNT) faculty as an Associate Professor where he became a tenured professor and ultimately Chairman of the Accounting Department, serving two terms (the maximum allowed) -- although the faculty petitioned the university to extend his term. While leading the department, Ted won the prestigious President’s Award along with a grant to develop the 5-year Master’s in Accounting program. Ted was also the first ever recipient of the Horace Brock Endowed Professorship. After his time as Chairman, Ted went on to lead the Institute of Petroleum Accounting for 15 years before retiring in 2007. His legacy at UNT has positively impacted hundreds of students and faculty over the years, including alumnus G. Brint Ryan for whom the College of Business is now named.

While Ted was an admired professor and administrator, his heart was all about helping others. With the help of his wife, they established the Ted and Barbara Coe Endowed Opera Scholarship in the College of Music at UNT. Also established in their honor is the Dr. Teddy Coe and Dr. Barbara Coe Endowed Scholarship in Marketing at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at UNT. Ted’s dedication to others goes beyond his career, as well; his love for dogs was never-ending, as demonstrated by his continued support of the Denton County Animal Shelter, the Labrador Rescue, and the dozens of adopted rescue dogs that he brought into his home over the years. While not always visible, Ted provided guidance and financial support to dozens of people over the years in their time of need. In his free time, Ted loved traveling the world and enjoying opera at every opportunity.

Ted is survived by his sister Norma along with his nieces and nephews--Danna, Kent, Rick, Teri, Melissa, Gary, Melinda, Ryan, and Kristina--with many admiring great-nieces and great-nephews. Ted is also survived by his Caregiver, Marilynne, who was lovingly by his side for the years since Barbara’s passing.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; his parents, Clyde and Lucille Coe; brother Don and sisters Sherry and Judy; and nephew Keith.

A graveside service will be held at Rose Lawn Memorial Park in Denton on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.