OAKBORO, N.C. -- Most people have a routine. But life often interrupts it.
- The 64-year old walks the sidewalks as if he's on patrol. But he's not looking for trouble he's just there to say hello and have a chat
- Ted has a learning disability. He can't read and he's never really had a full-time job
- Often by Ted's side is Oakboro Police Chief Thomas Smith. They have formed a close bond
Ted Lilly never deviates and it's a good thing for the two of Oakboro in Stanly County.
Ted is Oakboro's most well known face.
In his bright yellow safety vest Ted regularly walks from his home into the town of around 2,000 people.
The 64-year old walks the sidewalks as if he's on patrol. But he's not looking for trouble he's just there to say hello and have a chat.
He visits nearly every business, from the daycare to the post office to the hair salon.
Ted has a learning disability. He can't read and he's never really had a full-time job.
But he considers these walks his career and his clients are his friends.
Often by Ted's side is Oakboro Police Chief Thomas Smith. They have formed a close bond.
“He doesn't care if your black, white or how much money you make,” Smith says. “When you have someone like Ted coming in there it shows you how the world really should be.”
We are taught to never talk to strangers. That's true but if the rule was to be edited we would add Ted Lilly as the exception.
If you have an idea for our next everyday hero please email us at everydayheroes@charter.com.