Ted Waddell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026.

Ted was born on October 23rd, 1953, in Columbia, SC to the late Lewis Frank and Mary Helen Chappell Waddell.

Ted graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1971 and went on to graduate from University of South Carolina in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Psychology. He had an impressive career with the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Ted worked with the Department of Social Services (DSS) in Greenwood, SC from 1976-1985, before transitioning to the Medicaid Division with State DSS in Columbia, SC from 1985 to 2002. Over the course of those 17 years, Ted was a Program Director and Project Administrator for children’s health screenings and medical transportation for all Medicaid recipients. During his tenure, Ted helped to create new bureau governing Medicaid field operations and successfully set up regional health systems and also oversaw hospital contracts. He retired in 2002 following the transition of Medicaid from DSS to DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services).

He is survived by his devoted son, Christian Ross Waddell, and his sister Kaye Waddell Bradley.

He is predeceased by his loving parents, and older brother, Thomas (Tom) Lewis Waddell.

Per Ted’s request, there will be no visitation or service. People who wish to honor Ted’s life are encouraged to donate to the American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/

Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Waddell family. Online condolences
may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.