Terrance Roy Horning

Terry was born on August 23, 1963, in Flint, Michigan, to Gary and Olive Lane (Connolly) Horning. He grew up in Fenton, Michigan, and graduated from Fenton High School. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Orlando College, where he was the class valedictorian. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Information Technology from Marymount University. He lived most of his adult life in Arlington, Virginia and worked in Northern Virginia as an IT consultant, Electronic Data Systems, Perot Systems, and James Martin/Headstrong. He then joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where he worked for 20 years as an Enterprise Architect.

Terry was incredibly kind, generous, helpful, and easygoing with everyone. Many would say he was the kindest, most good-natured person they’d ever met. He was known among friends and family for his selfless, humble nature, his warmth and empathy, and his sense of humor and adventure. He was an incredibly caring, patient, loving, and steady presence in the lives of the children of close friends – always happy to support them in any way they needed, take joy in their successes, share in their interests, and join in on whatever fun and games were proposed.

Some of Terry’s closest friendships were with colleagues from his work at the FAA. He regularly enjoyed meals, golf, and other outings with them. He had officially retired from the FAA on September 30, 2023, the week before he passed away.

Terry’s greatest passion for several decades was ballroom dancing. With his longtime dear friend and partner Sunja Joel, and later with other dance partners and close friends, Terry spent hours on dance floors up and down the east coast – and even in Argentina. He was masterful at dancing over a dozen types of dance – from swing, disco, and cha cha to waltz, salsa, and tango, and everything in between. He would joyfully share his dance skills with friends and family who needed help in learning to dance. He patiently and happily choreographed dance numbers for friends to showcase at special events such as at a wedding, bar mitzvah, or school competition. And when he was not on a ballroom floor, he loved dancing his way through exercise in Zumba classes. His many friends in the dance community will dearly miss his warm smile and his skillful footwork.

Terry is survived by his mother, Olive Lane Horning; his brother, Russell Horning; and his niece and nephew – Lindsay and Brendan Horning and their mother, Vanessa. He is fondly remembered by his extended family, Sunja, Vivian, and Alex (Hilarie) Joel and their children. A special thank you to his home care helpers: Chony, Dielie, Lilly, and Elvis for helping him.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please feel free to honor Terry with a donation to Central United Methodist Church. Arlington, VA.

Terry’s warm smile, open heart, and positive spirit will be profoundly missed.

To donate to the church online visit https://www.cumcballston.org/ and click the "donate" button. To give via check mail to P.O. Box 50415, Arlington VA 22205