Terry M. McPhail

Surrounded by his devoted family in a room filled with love, Terry Mitchell McPhail, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Beach music played softly in the background, as music brought Terry much joy in his life whether he was deejaying at the OD Arcade or dancing with his beloved wife, Karen. How you end your earthly life is often a testament to how you lived it, and Terry lived it fervently – in service to others, fiercely devoted to God, family, friends and country, and bravely fighting for what’s good and right.

Terry was born November 2,1949, in Durham, North Carolina and grew up on his family’s farm in Tomahawk. He attended Union High School in Clinton. During high school, he met a beautiful, tall blonde named Karen Autry who lived in a nearby town. Their love for each other quickly grew, never ceasing as the decades passed and becoming a legacy that will continue for generations.

Terry, now with Karen by his side, attended Campbell University. They married on August 19, 1973 at Clement Baptist Church. He earned a degree in health and physical education in 1974. His passion for teaching and sports led to his first position as a teacher and football/wrestling coach at Anne Chesnutt Junior High in Fayetteville, NC, where he worked for eight years. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army National Guard after enlisting in 1970.

In 1981, Terry and Karen welcomed their only child, Darren. Though admittedly a strict father, Terry also had a soft spot for frequent trips to the store to buy his “baby boy” G.I. Joes. His dedication to his son shined through in everything he did, from coaching Darren’s little league teams to beaming with pride in Kenan Stadium when Darren played for the UNC Tar Heels.

In 1983, Terry transitioned to a full-time member of the Army National Guard, serving at armories in Elizabethtown and around southeast North Carolina throughout his career. His service led him across the country including states such as Georgia, Louisiana and Kentucky where he successfully completed Master Gunner School. He also spent time abroad in Italy, which he spoke of fondly and eventually revisited with Karen on a cherished cruise – thankfully not eating MRE’s that trip! He served as a tank commander and retired as a Sergeant First Class E7, following nearly 33 years of service in 2003. After wearing starched uniforms for three decades, he swore to never wear socks again. And he didn’t … not even with his tuxedo at Darren’s wedding.

He was immensely proud of our country and devoted to all veterans. He went out of his way to thank veterans and their families for their service. He handed out hundreds of challenge coins to veterans who were often brought to tears by his compassion and recognition. He was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor in recognition for his service to the nation by the Myrtle Beach Shore Birds.

After retiring from the military, Terry also worked as the deputy clerk of court for Bladen County Superior County for about seven years. In this role, he continued to serve the community he loved.

North Myrtle Beach soon became a place of relaxation and fun for Terry and Karen as they spent many weekends with dear friends – dancing at popular spots such as the OD Arcade and Fat Harold’s.Their beach friends became family. They often traveled together, sharing many wonderful memories on cruise ships and in sunny resort towns. Terry’s passion and vast knowledge of beach music led him to start deejaying. He lit up when playing music that shaggers couldn’t resist. He was inducted in the OD Arcade DJ Hall of Fame.

In 2021, Terry and Karen officially moved from Elizabethtown to North Myrtle Beach, and Terry spent many days playing music at the pool, a bloody mary in hand, surrounded by family and friends. He never met a stranger, so if you sat down within five feet of Terry, he would most assuredly strike up a conversation and you would fall into the family and friends category within a few minutes, too!

Above all else, faith and family remained Terry’s top priorities. He and Karen’s love and devotion to each other was evident to all. Terry routinely brought her fresh flowers and showered her with “puppies,” what he called special gifts that always made her smile. He often told Darren how proud he was of the man and father that he had become, and he treated his daughter in law, Kathryn, like his own child. His granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Claire, lit up his world. He cheered them on in volleyball, bragged to anyone who would listen about their beauty and brains, and teared up each Christmas watching the wonder and joy in their faces. And “Papa’s girls” thought he hung the moon, too.

A believer and follower of Jesus, Terry now lives pain free in his eternal home following a three year fight against cancer. His bravery never faltered. He was preceded in death and welcomed home by his beloved parents, Kenneth Mitchell McPhail and Elizabeth Moore McPhail, brothers in law Wayne Autry and David Autry. He is survived by his sister Joanne Hixson (late husband Dennis), sisters in law Annette Jackson, Nancy Carroll (McKinley) and Kimberly Autry, as well as his brother in law Gerald Autry (Wanda). Karen’s siblings supported Terry throughout his treatments and loved him dearly.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church located at 410 6th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29582. Reception at the church’s Family Life Center to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to charities that Terry supported including, the ODPC’s Hope’s Kitchen Mission (P.O. Box 277, North Myrtle Beach, SC, 29579) or the Fisher House Foundation.

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