Mr. Donnie Lee Tedford

TEDFORD, Mr. Donnie - Age 78, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his residence. Family hour 1:30 PM Thursday, November 20, 2025, from the Chapel of LawrenceE. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 2:00 PM, Pastor Gordon Lee Porter, officiating. Interment Gracelawn Cemetery, 5710 N. Saginaw St. Friends and pall bearers will assemble at the Funeral Home 1:30 PM, Thursday. Mr. Tedford will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:0 PM Wednesday. Donnie Lee Tedford, affectionately known to many as “Chuck,” was born on September 30, 1947, in Harlan County, Lynch, Kentucky, to Ralph B. Tedford Sr. and Lessie Mae BethuneTedford. At the age of seven, he moved with his family to Flint, Michigan, where he spent the rest of his life surrounded by loved ones and the community that came to know and value him. Donnie departed this life on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Donnie lived with vibrancy, humor, and unshakable determination. A 7th-degree Black Belt in Kung Fu, he was widely known throughout the community for his captivating martial arts demonstrations at local events. His talent, discipline, and spirit made a lasting impression on all who watched him perform. Outside of martial arts, Donnie enjoyed fishing, treasure-hunting in thrift stores, solving crossword puzzles, painting, fixing cars, and working skillfully with his hands. In recent years, he had grown deeply connected to his faith, becoming active in the church and even preaching a sermon or two. If something needed repairing — whether a car part or a person’s spirit — Donnie was almost always the one who could bring it back to life. He believed in love — so much that he tried it four times — and through the seasons of his life, he was blessed with 12 children who brought him immense pride and joy. Donnie is survived by his children: Sheila Tedford-Spencer, Eric Anderson, Darrin Anderson, Charlet Jones, Lisa Anderson, Myra (Rowland) Porter, Charles (Christin) Eastman, Esther Tedford, Donnie Tedford, Jr., Deeadra (Jason) Piper, and Damieris Tedford. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward the lessons, laughter, and love he shared with them. His surviving siblings Frank Tedford, Ricky (Arlene) Tedford, Dorahetta (Preston) Peery, and Tracy Tedford extend their fondest farewells to Donnie as he goes to join those who went before him. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph B. Tedford Sr. and Lessie Mae Bethune-Tedford; his daughter LaDonna Norton; siblings Dr. Rev. Robert Mills, Ralph Tedford Jr., Dansby Tedford Sr., Dr. William Tedford, Vickie Tedford, and his beloved twin brother Ronnie “Butch” Lee Tedford. Donnie will be remembered as a man of talent, generosity, humor, and heart. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community that cherished him, and everyone who ever witnessed the strength of his spirit — whether through a powerful Kung Fu demonstration or a simple act of kindness. His presence will be deeply missed and forever honored.

Mr. Donnie Lee Tedford

September 30, 1947 - November 6, 2025