Eugene Simpson Todd
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6th generation Charlotte native, Eugene was born in Charlotte on May 4, 1931, the youngest of six children. Along with all of his siblings, he was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Van Buren Todd and his mother Stella Alexander Todd. Eugene went to Clemson College on a football scholarship after being elected to the NC All State Football Team and to the Shrine Bowl team. He graduated in 1954, majoring in Science Education and completing Army ROTC. He met his future wife Anne Hall, who was a biology teacher, by substituting at a high school. They were married for a full 67 years.
After Eugene taught high school science and coached multiple teams, he became a principal for elementary schools. One of the things he is most proud of in his career is that part he played in the desegregation of the schools in this district. Eugene was assigned to Cornelius Elementary School in 1966, the year the Mecklenburg County Board of Education decided to create a unitary system. It was a righteous cause for him and felt it was a great opportunity to begin to right a great wrong which some of his ancestors had been parties to. He served there for four years and is pleased to say the school was integrated without much difficulty.
After retirement in 1983, Eugene and Anne traveled extensively. They were members of Myers Park Baptist for many years and then moved to Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte. Eugene was an avid gardener, bird watcher, reader of Christian theology and loved a well-matched football game on TV.
They moved to Matthews Glen Retirement Community in 2005.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Anne Hall Todd of Matthews, daughter Susan Todd Hunter of Raleigh, NC, son Eric Winston Alexander Todd of Charlotte, and 4 grandchildren: Diana Hunter, Anne Hunter, Sam Todd and Sarah Todd. Eugene will be laid to rest at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church cemetery with his parents at a private graveside service. A celebration of life will be held at Matthews Glen Community on Saturday, April 30th at 11:00 am.