Teddy Rafalowski Obituary

Teddy Anthony Rafalowski, Jr.

November 11, 2025

KINGSPORT - Teddy Anthony Rafalowski, Jr., 74, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. Born in Detroit, MI, Teddy was a graduate of Church Hill High School, class of 1969. He served in the Tennessee National Guard from 1971 to 1977. Teddy was the co-owner of Acme Sports and Action Athletics, where he served the Tri-Cities area for over 50 years. His love for sports helped establish the foundation to thrive in the business where he spent so many years working with the Kingsport community and surrounding areas providing sports equipment and uniforms to schools, Little Leagues and other competitive sports teams. It is so uplifting to even begin to capture what he meant to the athletic world in this area; as he was truly a friend to all. He was an avid basketball and softball player for many years, excelling in both, while earning numerous state titles as well as a Senior Olympics Silver Medal in basketball. He was a Tennessee Vols fan, but most of all he loved the Detroit professional sports teams.

Teddy was preceded in death by his father, Ted Anthony Rafalowski, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Julia and Arthur Tompkins; and his fraternal grandparents.

Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Evelyn (Head) Rafalowski; daughter, Julia Ann (Rafalowski) Rowland and husband, Tee and their daughter, Charlotte Ann Rowland; son, Trey Rafalowski and his wife, Tara and their son, Terrence Anthony Rafalowski; mother, Ann (Tompkins) Cox; brothers, Tommy Rafalowski and wife, Brenna, Tracy Rafalowski and wife, Karen; several nieces and nephews; special relatives and friends who were with Teddy during his journey, Brenda and Harold Owens, Faye Payne and family, John Stephens and JR Jones.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with David Salley officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Harold Owens, John Stephens, JR Jones, Chris Morelock, Chad Lawson, Shannon Hunt, Ethan Thompson and Shane Daniell. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Carico, Tim Alverson and Charles "Butch" Thomas.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Kingsport Adult Day Care who provided Teddy with love and laughter over the past thirteen months. Michelle Bolling (owner), Jada Baker and Tara Greer (caregivers), have been amazing providing Teddy with many opportunities to thrive in a positive and loving environment. Also many thanks to his most special friends, Mark, Kathy, JoAnn, Sue, Mike, Ed, Dwight, Clark, Eddie, Jim, Janet, Connie, Nita, Danny, Violet, Sarah, Maria, Bob and Barbara. Also thanks to Smoky Mountain Hospice, especially Kelly for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Teddy to the Alzheimer's Association.

Visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave online condolences.