Claiborne Watkins Terry

Claiborne Watkins Terry died April 22, 2025 at 94 after leading a life filled with love, friendship and service to others.  He was predeceased in life by his wife of 55 years, Ann Messerschmidt Terry. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Virginia Terry McCauley and her husband James Michael McCauley of Richmond and Elizabeth Terry McDonald and her husband, Andrew Miles McDonald of Baltimore. He was the proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth McCauley Ihara, James Claiborne McCauley, Sarah Anne McDonald and Brian Claiborne McDonald. He had one great grandchild, Adriana Rosa Ihara. He had many nieces and nephews.

Claiborne grew up on Hawthorne Avenue in the Northside of Richmond, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood. He was a graduate of St. Christopher’s High School and Virginia Military Institute.  After his time in the Air Force, Claiborne started work at Watkins Cottrell. He subsequently became President and owner of Capital Equipment Company, which he expanded to 2 locations before selling the company in the 1970s. However, not satisfied with being retired early, he started another company, Virginia Public Works, where he continued to work until his mid seventies, when he retired for the second time.

Claiborne was involved in many charities such as Caritas, helping the homeless, and the Richmond Public schools where he was a volunteer Math Tutor. He also became active in AFOI (Assisting Families of Inmates) where he drove a bus for family members who lacked transportation to see incarcerated loved ones.  A strong supporter of VMI, Claiborne enjoyed going to many activities, and could be found there, always surrounded by his joyful and rowdy friends.  He was a devoted member of All Saints Episcopal Church and served the Church faithfully including as Senior Warden.  

Claiborne’s greatest love though and in his opinion, his greatest accomplishment was his wonderful family. He and his wife enjoyed a long and happy marriage. They were members of The Cotillion where they could always be seen on the dance floor. They loved to travel and went to many countries, including Russia. His devoted daughters remember game nights, trips to Mountain Lake, the beach, and even visiting many historical cemeteries. He excelled in celebrating his grandchildren and great-grandchild’s many accomplishments, and was very proud of each of them. One could often hear him bragging about something they did.  The family would like to thank the nursing staff of Cedarfield who took such wonderful and loving care of him during his final days.  Visitation will be held Friday, May 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Woody Funeral Home on Parham Road. A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church on Saturday May 3 at 11 am with a reception to follow immediately after. Formal Burial will be a private family event. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to All Saints Episcopal Church, Virginia Military Institute or a charity of their choice.