Terry John Calhoun Jr.

Terry John Calhoun, age 84, of Rainbow City, AL passed peacefully from this world and went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Dr. David Freeman and Reverend Andy Hicks will lead the celebration of his life on April 3, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service at 12 noon in the Chapel. A private burial will immediately follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Morgan Funeral Home of Attalla is in charge of arrangements.

Terry John Calhoun was the oldest of three children born to Terry John, Sr. and Elzora Gray Calhoun, and lifelong resident of the Riddles Bend community. He was a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was a lifelong member of Riddles Bend (previously Union Chapel) Baptist Church. Terry John served the Church in many capacities and led by example as he taught the Adult Sunday School Class, was Sunday School Superintendent, and chaired the Pulpit Committee. He was ordained a Deacon in 1976 and went on to serve as Chairman. Terry John was recognized by the Church and honored as Deacon Emeritas in March 2012. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and did his best, from elementary school through college, to support and attend every game or play that involved his family.

He was especially proud of the fact that he had 88 first cousins…..a special blessing of having parents who both came from large families. Toward the end of his life, even with the dementia and all the struggles this disease brings on, Terry John was still able to recall specific details about his first cousins.

Terry John retired after 31 years from Goodyear Warehouse in Gadsden. He held the position of Manager for 8 years at Southeastern Warehouse & Distribution in Guntersville.

Terry John served the citizens of Rainbow City for 12 years as a Councilman and 16 years as Mayor. Terry John was the fourth mayor in the City’s history and attained the Advanced Level of the Certified Municipal Officer Program through the Alabama League of Municipalities. He served on both the Executive Committee for Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District and the Local Board of the US Selective Service System. He loved Rainbow City and worked diligently toward its growth, prosperity, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. He was a faithful Auburn football fan — even during the really lean seasons of the 1970s.

Terry John was preceded in death by his parents, Terry John, Sr. and Elzora Gray Calhoun; son, John David Calhoun; father-in-law, Comer Woodrow Ellis; mother-in-law, Vera Ragsdale Pearson Ellis; brother-in-law, Carl Carter; brother-in-law, Charles Pearson and wife, Edna Pearson; brother-in-law, Ralph Pearson; and brother-in-law, Comer Ellis.

Terry John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Ellis Calhoun; children, Diane (Stan) Phillips and David (Janeice) Calhoun; brother, Wayne (Becky) Calhoun; sister, Juanice Carter; grandchildren, Drew and Juliane Phillips, John (Sara) Calhoun, James (Rachel) Calhoun; great-grandchildren, Campbell, Collier, Crawford, Tommy and Madelyn Calhoun; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Drew Phillips, John Calhoun, James Calhoun, Scott Calhoun, Kenneth Payne, Lloyd Matthews, David King, and Jonathon Horton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Beth Lee, Cindy Posey, Karen Frost, Juliane Phillips, Jim Turnbach, Bob Walden, Larry Hawkins, Gene Maise, Jerry Tolbert, Rodney Peterson, James Fletcher, members of Riddles Bend Baptist Church, and employees of the City of Rainbow City.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Riverview Regional Medical Center CCU doctors and nurses and Amedisys Home Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the ongoing ministries of Riddles Bend Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.