Edward L. Terry Sr.

Born in Birmingham, AL to Lee Roy and Katie Mae (née Blanton) Terry, he graduated from Tarrant High School in 1951 and then entered the Air Force on September 4, 1951. At the end of his first enlistment, he took a short break to assess his life and future goals. He soon decided to rejoin the Air Force where he continued to serve his country for almost 27 years, with most of that service as a Flight Engineer. He saw combat during the Vietnam conflict for which he was the recipient of seven Air Medals. After retirement, Ed returned to live and work as an Aircraft Inspector in Birmingham, Alabama, finally retiring in his 80s.

On November 29, 1955, he married Martha Jane Stone. To this marriage, two children were born: Deb and Ed. Although the marriage ended in divorce, he took great pride in his children and the grandchildren they gave him. Grandaddy, as he was affectionately called, could always be counted on to bring candy and spoiling into their lives. He gave Deb his love and support while helping her raise her two daughters as a single mother; cheering Autumn in her wheelchair races and lovingly maintaining Amber’s car. To Ed he gave his son a love of the Air Force and flying, and of cars and the ability to work on them. He even traveled to Kansas to help his son and grandson work on a “first” car - a vintage Camaro. As the eldest and only boy, he could always be relied upon to look after and help his mother and sisters. He was the “rock” of the family, always willing to help them. In his later years, he became the caregiver for his orphaned Down Syndrome nephew, Randy Crumpton.

Ed was preceded in death by his mother and father, his ex-wife, his four sisters: Faye Crumpton, Frances Randall, Betty Sims, and Carolyn Elgin, and his granddaughter Autumn. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Yates, granddaughter Amber (Boyce Brasher) and great-granddaughters, Britain and Alexis Schmid and Cherish Jones, and granddaughter Autumn’s fiancé Steve Lovelady. His son Edward, Jr. (Kay) Terry, granddaughter Shannon Terry, great-grandchildren Adelaide and Ellis Chamley, and grandson Jonathon Terry. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is planned for November 7, 2022, at 10:00 at Ridout's Trussville Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 at Jefferson Memorial where he will be interred next to his granddaughter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutstrussvillechapel.com for the Terry family.