J.D. Todd, Jr.
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J.D. Todd, Jr.

  • June 30, 1912 - December 29, 2011
  • Greenville, South Carolina
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Memories & Candles

“My condolences to J. D. Todd's family, especially to Rosalind and Ted. J. D. was my friend and mentor for almost 50 years. I shall never forget him,...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: Ken Childs - Columbia, SC

“Dear Rosalind and Ted, Am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Wow he was an amazing person. I loved seeing you with him at the Poinsett Club many...Read More » ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: MaryEllen Wilkinson - SC - friend

“A Great Man and A Great Lawyer. A credit to our profession. ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: william f austin - columbia, SC

“J.D. Todd was a great lawyer and even a better person. I once read about a 100 Supreme court opinions while on a vacation. J.D. was involved in...Read More » ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Joseph S. Mendelsohn - charleston, SC

“We appreciate the privilege we've had to know both Mr. and Mrs. Todd. They were wonderful individuals and a lovely couple who leave us all better...Read More » ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: Joe and Tina Hayes Ballew - SC

“I have many memeories of Mr. Todd visiting my grandfather, D.B. Leatherwood. We would sit on the side porch and Pop would tell "JD stories". My...Read More » ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Susan Morris Sartain - Taylors, SC

“Please know I am thinking about the Todd family during this time. I send my love to all of you. ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: Caroline Tompkins - Greenville, SC

“My sympathy in Greenville's loss of a fine attorney. Thank you for his service in WWII. Tom Marchant 3 Hidden Hills Drive Greenville, SC 29605 ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Tom Marchant - Greeenville, SC

“Roz, Ted and Family, What a wonderful life your father must have had. You were blessed to have had him as long as you did. Still, it's hard to...Read More » ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: George & Patricia Cothran - NC

“Rosalind, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know, Alan and I have you in our prayers. Let us know if we can do anything for you or your family. ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: Deborah Goldstein - Simpsonville, SC

“Rosalind and Jack, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. My prayers are with you and your families. Please let me know if there is anything I...Read More » ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: Sally Collins Dunn - Easley, SC

“To Jack and Joan and the girls: Bill and I want to express our deepst sympathy to you. Your Dad was an inspiration to me. Seeing him work out...Read More » ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: Dana Boney - Mauldin, SC

“The Staff of The Mackey Mortuary wish to express our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: The Mackey Mortuary


J. D. Todd, Jr.
Greenville, SC

John Dickerson Todd, Jr., 99, husband of the late Mell McWhorter Todd, passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2011.

Born in Macon GA on June 30, 1912, J. D. was the son of the late J. D. and Hazel McManus Todd. J. D. grew up in Macon and in Miami FL and moved to Greenville with his family while he was a student at Virginia Military Institute. After two years at VMI, he transferred to the University of Georgia. There he attended law school and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduation in 1935, he opened a law practice in Greenville.

J. D. joined the US Army as a private in April 1941 and was discharged as a major in December 1945. While stationed at Camp Wheeler in Macon GA, he met and fell in love with the lovely Mell McWhorter. Nine weeks after they met, Mell and J. D. were married on March 7, 1943, beginning a marriage that lasted 67 years. After World War II, they came to Greenville and J. D. resumed his law practice.

J. D. was a senior partner in the firm of Leatherwood Walker Todd & Mann from 1952 until he retired on his 86th birthday in 1998. He served as President of the Greenville County Bar and the South Carolina Bar Association; was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers; was awarded the Durant Public Service Award in 1984; was appointed a member of the South Carolina Judicial Reform Commission by Governor John West; was chairman of the South Carolina Board of Bar Examiners; and was regularly listed as one of the Best Lawyers of America. His reputation as one of South Carolina's finest lawyers was richly deserved.

In addition, J. D. served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Greenville, where he was a member for 64 years. He was also President of the Greenville Junior Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the Jaycee Hall of Fame in 1993. He served as President of the Greenville Country Club and as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at First Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for more than 50 years.

J. D. loved baseball, both as a player in his youth and as a life-long fan. He avidly supported the University of Georgia football program. He loved to play bridge with Mell and their many friends. He enjoyed reading, particularly history, and was an expert at crossword puzzles.

J. D. and Mell enjoyed traveling. One of their favorite destinations was The Cloister at Sea Island GA. Well past his 99th birthday, he exercised three days a week at the Life Center, where he was the center of attention and developed many friendships. On the other hand, he was also a lunchtime fixture at Pete's on Augusta Road, where the waitresses automatically brought him one of Pete's' famous hot dogs.

J. D. was not only a consummate lawyer and community leader, but also a Southern gentleman with a contagious positive attitude and a constant smile on his face. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always had time for his family.

Surviving are his and Mell's daughter and son-in-law, Rosalind and Ted Tedards of Greenville; their son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Joan Todd of Spartanburg; three granddaughters, Emily, Susan and Anna Todd; a niece, Molly Clause, of Louisville KY; three nephews, Leonard Todd, Jr. of Edgefield SC, Tom McWhorter of Allentown PA, and Albert McWhorter of Norman OK; and two close cousins, Sue McManus of Penney Farms FL and Margaret Landham of Griffin GA.

Services will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville SC 29601, with Baxter Wynn officiating. A family burial will precede the service. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the church. Current and retired lawyers with J. D.'s firm are invited to serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the South Carolina Foundation for Disabled Athletes, PO Box 5402, Spartanburg SC 29304; or to First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville SC 29601.
The family wishes to thank Linda Robinson and the caregivers with Saints Healthcare for their attentive care during the recent weeks.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mackeymortuary.com

The Mackey Mortuary, 311 Century Drive.