Efrem Zimbalist Dandridge, affectionately known as "Teddy", was born on May 24, 1959 to the late Dorothy Sessam Dandridge and the late John Dandridge, in Chicago, Illinois.  He was a graduate of Proviso East High School. Efrem was a truck driver for over thirty-four years and was a veteran of the United States Navy.

Efrem was a very comical person and thoroughly enjoyed listening to old school music. He had a "Tell it like it is" personality.  Efrem was extremely strong willed and was noted for being a history buff. He was an all-Chicago teams fan including the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs and the Black Hawks. One of his favorite past times was watching the Black Hawks with his wife. Efrem's favorite color was blue, and he was a member of New Life Christian Fellowship Church.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by brothers, Michael Dandridge and Kenneth Dandridge; sisters, Elaine Jones and Monique Mobley; and stepmother, Berniece Dandridge.

Left to cherish his legacy are his loving devoted wife, Claretha Dandridge of Spartanburg, SC; sons, Drenard Minor of Jackson, MS, Michael Dandridge of Milwaukee, WI, Efrem Zimablist (Cassandra) Dandridge, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI, Marcus Dandridge of Kentucky, Jarrett Dandridge of Spartanburg, SC, Charles (Joan)  Washington of Simpsonville, SC, Gary (Shameka) Washington of Inman, SC; and Freddie Tucker of Spartanburg, SC; daughter, Nina (Maurice) Clark of Spartanburg, SC; sisters, Charlotte Dandridge and Linda Malone both of Chicago IL; thirteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a host of aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.

On the evening of Saturday, July 29, 2023, after a valiant fight, Efrem transitioned peacefully at the Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. He will be missed and cherished by all who knew him.