Theopilia Leon Covington was born on March 10, 1946. On January 4, 2022, he went home to be with the Lord.  He graduated from Atkins High School and later joined the United States Army and served valiantly in the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge.  He received an Associate in Emergency Medical Technology (EMT Paramedic) from Forsyth Technical Community College.

After several years of service, he later returned home to work for the Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services where he retired as a paramedic in December 2002 after for 30 years of service. He was also presented with the "Roger L. Kiger Humanitarian Award", which honors EMT's/paramedics for their service to others as he treated every customer as if his world revolved around them.

Thee, Theo or "T" as he was known was baptized and received the Lord as a teenager.  He was a member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC where he served on the usher board. He loved to bowl and was a faithful member of the Camel City Bowling Club and traveled often to bowling tournaments throughout the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Louise and James Terry; Donald Terry, Danny Terry, Cynthia O'Neal, Adrienne Terry, Nerissa Terry and Stephanie Terry.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who worked hard and gave of his time, knowledge and resources. Left to cherish his memories are the love of his life and wife of 48 years, Ruby Murphy Covington; one daughter, Debbie Renee' Hart Smith (Gregory) of Magnolia DE; three grandchildren, Dr. Dominic Alan Smith, MD of Harrisburg, PA, Jasmine Renay Koilor (Richard) of Glenolden, PA, and Brianna Joi Smith of Magnolia, DE; one godson, Bernard "B" Edmonds (Valarie) of Winston-Salem, NC;  three siblings, Rhonda Haider, James Kennard Terry (Denise) and Danita Craft (Ralph) all of Winston-Salem, NC; one foster sister, Prestina Gist (James) of Clemmons, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends that he considered family.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, January 14, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

The service will be live streamed on the Russell Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 11:00am Saturday.