Theodore Elwood Meredith, 92, of Lutherville, Maryland, graced Heaven with his joyful spirit on November 2, 2022.

Ted was born to the late Samuel and Irene (née McCauley) Meredith on June 9, 1930 in Boonsboro, Maryland. He graduated from Boonsboro High School in 1949 and attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. He was then drafted to serve as a company clerk in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. When he returned to Maryland, he launched a decades-long career utilizing his artistic talents as a display manager at the celebrated Hutzler's department store in downtown Baltimore. He oversaw all store merchandising, window displays and fashion shows for the flagship store, as well as several suburban locations. Ted was known and loved for his "work hard, play hard" mentality. Many of his work colleagues became lifelong friends.

It was at Hutzler's where Ted met his wife, Martha Ruff, a sales associate. They married in 1963 and their son, Christopher Elwood Meredith, was born in 1967. Ted and Martha had a dream of starting their own business. In 1974, to the astonishment of Martha's parents, Ted and Martha boldly invested $500 in supplies to launch what would become The Flower Basket in the basement of their Ellicott City home. They then left their jobs at Hutzler's, opened a storefront in Ellicott City and enjoyed the success of their floral design and home décor business. Ted ran the company for more than 25 years before handing over the reins to his son Chris approximately 15 years ago.

When Ted and Martha amicably divorced, he met his partner and loving friend of 41 years, William "Bill" Kitchel. Together they enjoyed a beautiful life, refurbishing and decorating homes in Baltimore, Clarksville, Easton and, most recently, at Brightwood, a senior living community in Lutherville. They shared a love of entertaining and travel, and Ted's interests in interior décor continued to run deep. While Ted and Bill lived in Easton from 1999 to 2013, they were actively involved in the Easton Historical Society, where Ted oversaw the layout and merchandising of the storefront for years.

Some of Ted's happiest moments in his later years involved spending time with his grandchildren, Brooks and Parker, who knew him as "Gampy." He will be remembered by all for his bright smile, his infectious laugh and his expression of a life well lived.

Ted is survived by his son Chris Meredith (Lisa), William Kitchel and family (Brooks II, Denise, Brooks III, Parker), Martha Meredith, sister-in-law Ann Meredith, and nieces Kimberly Meredith Jefferies and Pamela Meredith and families. His brother, Samuel McCauley Meredith, predeceased him.

A memorial service is Pending.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, please make a contribution in memory of Ted to your charity of choice.