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Teddy Wilburn Estate Resolved
Scholarship Established to Help Struggling Students
(Nashville, TN, January 27, 2005) – The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and members of the family of the late Thurman T. (Teddy) Wilburn have jointly announced the settlement of pending disputes over Teddy Wilburn’s estate. The settlement provides that much of the estate of Teddy Wilburn, country music singer, Grand Ole Opry Star, songwriter and manager, will go to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help college students at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University get an education.
“It matters when people with great hearts like Teddy Wilburn give to make the path easier for others – now and always,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We are honored to have the opportunity to connect his generosity with students eager to learn but in need of aid.”
Litigation was filed earlier this year concerning disputes over Wilburn’s will, personal property and shares of stock in Sure-Fire Music, Inc. The dispute was settled today, with approximately $1 million of Wilburn’s assets now funding the Teddy Wilburn Scholarship Fund at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“Uncle Teddy’s wish was to help others enjoy the opportunities made available by a college education, something he never enjoyed,” said Jason Wilburn, a nephew of Teddy Wilburn. “We are happy The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will be able to make those wishes a reality.”
Thurman T. (Teddy) Wilburn passed away November 24, 2003 of congestive heart failure at the age of 71. Well known for his frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, he began performing regularly on the Opry with his five brothers and sisters at 9-years-old. After a long stint at The Grand Ole Opry, Teddy joined his Brother Doyle and the duo performed for almost 30 years. The Wilburn Brothers had more than 30 songs on the country charts and their hits include “Troubles Back in Town,” “Roll Muddy River,” “It’s Another World,” and “Arkansas.”
Together the duo performed on the Arthur Godfrey Show as well as Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. They also had their own syndicated television show for more than twelve years - introducing such country greats as Loretta Lynn, the Osborne Brothers, Crystal Gayle and Patty Loveless to national audiences. The Wilburn Brothers career ended when Doyle died from cancer in 1982.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 495 charitable funds. In the past thirteen years, The Community Foundation has distributed $220 million to community programs and institutions. Currently, The Community Foundation manages funds totaling $331 million. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Suite 400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or www.cfmt.org.
