William “Bill” P. Terry, Jr.

Published 8:22 pm Saturday, June 21, 2014

William “Bill” P. Terry, Jr.

July 20, 1927 – April 29, 2014

Mr. William “ Bill” Terry, Jr., age 86, died on April 29, 2014, at Bay Pines VA Health Care System Hospice, St. Petersburg, Fla., after an extended illness.  Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Thelma; his son David (Sara)Terry of Mt. Prospect, IL; granddaughters Deanna and Rachel Terry (mother Irmie Terry); step-grandson Patrick Mahoney; son-in-law Major Respess of Belhaven, NC; granddaughters Jackie Respess (Matt) Lincoln and Krista Respess (Matt) Molt; great-grand- children Matthew, Gwen and Liam Lincoln; Sandler and Grady Molt.  Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Debbie Terry Respess and his grandson Michial Respess.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Bill at the Davis Cemetery in the Pungo Community of Pantego, NC at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014.  Bryan Copeland of the Pike Road Church of Christ will conduct the service.

Bill was born on July 20, 1927, the son of William P. Terry, Sr. of Pittsylvania Co., VA and Marie Gwendalyn Rey of Richmond, VA. He had one sister, Emily.  All three predeceased him.  Bill graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond in 1944 and was a proud member of the Cadet Corp there. From1944-1946 he served his country in the US Navy at the Escort Repair Base in the BritishWest Indies and was in the Naval Reserves until 1950. His rank was MOMM3.

On March 17, 1951, in Richmond, Bill married the former Thelma Clyde Davis of the Pungo Community of Pantego, NC, the daughter of Clyde W. Davis, Sr. and Iris Beatrice Paul Davis.  After her parents died, Bill hired a carpenter (Floyd Webster) and his crew to remodel the house. They now have Family Reunions in the house where five of the six Davis children were born, thanks to Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or Ye Olde Academy (PAHMA,  c/o Billy Baynor, 46 Academy Street, Pantego, NC 27860) or the charity of your choice.

Online Condolences may be offered by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington, NC is honored to serve the Terry family.