Terry Lance Ferrell

He was raised in the Boylan Heights neighborhood alongside his brothers, Tim and Randy. Lance fondly reminisced about his days with the “Boylan Heights Boys,” when time was largely spent playing baseball while his father worked as a woodworker in the local cabinetry shop owned by W.J. Hines.

Lance graduated from Broughton High School in 1972, where he played varsity baseball. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Marine Science and serving as the Student Senate Chaplain. During his studies, Lance met the love of his life, Sherry Ferrell, whom he lovingly referred to as “Princess Ann.” They were married on August 5, 1978, and enjoyed 47 years of a full and faithful life together.

After graduating from UNCW in 1977 Lance began his career as a Marine Biologist at the Baruch Institute in Georgetown, South Carolina. He later joined the Division of Water Quality for the State of North Carolina, where he retired after 25 years of service. Lance and Sherry were blessed with three sons, Adam, Brent, and Cameron. Lance carried immeasurable pride, hope, and love for his boys throughout his life.

On February 21, 2026, Lance stepped beyond the veil where Heaven meets Earth and into the eternal presence of God the Father, grasping the hand of his Savior and hearing the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Lance is survived by his wife, Sherry Ferrell; his three children, Adam Ferrell (Rebecca Ferrell), Brent Ferrell (Kathy Ferrell), and Cameron Ferrell (Mona Huang); his granddaughter, Savannah Ferrell; and his brothers, Tim and Randy Ferrell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Ferrell.

Above all else, Lance Ferrell was a man who loved the Lord. Scripture tells us, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord… so that Christ’s power may rest on you.” Christ’s power was the pride of Lance’s heart, and it was the legacy he sought to walk out each day of his life, hoping to leave behind a testimony of faith and righteousness. Throughout his life, Lance considered it his highest calling to speak the gospel and share in the power of prayer with others. His faith in the Lord impacted many lives, beginning on the day of his salvation in 1972.

God’s hand on Lance’s life led him in what he called “a new direction,” marked by a great hunger for God’s Word. This new direction allowed Lance to lead what was then the largest Christian outdoor festival in Wilmington, North Carolina, JOY Explosion, with Nicky Cruz as the keynote speaker. Lance often remarked that playing a role in that movement was among the greatest delights of his heart. His passion for ministry remained a defining motivation throughout his life as he served in homeless ministries, Ecuador missions, regular Bible studies and fellowships, and, in later years, with Students in the Word in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

Lance was incredibly grateful for the life he had been given. He loved the outdoors and shared many meaningful moments with his family hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Lance was often found behind the camera, recording family memories or capturing photographs of nature in awe of God’s creation. A passionate Orioles fan, he loved baseball and shared that love with his sons. Another passion of Lance’s was playing and enjoying music, an affection he proudly passed on to his boys. Lance also cherished the time he spent traveling with his father and family to attend reunions of the WWII 339th Fighter Group.

Lance Ferrell loved the Lord intensely and believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. He was steadfast, deeply sentimental, and thoughtful toward what was right. He lived by the book, both Scripture and integrity. He will be deeply missed by his family, who will carry forward the lessons of faith and devotion that he lovingly imparted.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Brown-Wynne Chapel. Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.