Paul Dean Terry

Paul, affectionately known as “Papa,” was born May 21, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, to Arnold and Edna Jean (nee Haacke) Terry. He excelled academically and was widely known for his strong work ethic from an early age. As a teenager, he worked multiple jobs—including a paper route and at Chmiel’s IGA grocery store—to save enough money to purchase his prized 1949 Mercury.

A gifted athlete, Paul played multiple sports but especially excelled as a running back playing football for Wilbur Wright High School in Dayton. Team captain and senior Prom King, he graduated in 1959 and was offered a football scholarship to Wake Forest University. Instead, he chose to begin raising a family and continued playing semi-professional football for the Dayton Triangles until a knee injury ended his football career.

While raising his family, Paul worked at NCR and later dedicated more than 35 years to the U.S. Postal Service, including multiple roles at the Cincinnati Bulk Mail Center. In the late 1960s, he also owned and operated a restaurant and recreation center at Shawnee Lake during the summer months. Never one to shy away from hard work, Paul often took on additional jobs—including driving a school bus before work and delivering the Dayton Daily News after hours—to help put his children through college. He believed deeply in doing whatever it took to provide for his family.

In retirement, Paul volunteered with the American Red Cross, eventually serving communities devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. His powerful stories of service, resilience, and compassion left lasting impressions on those who heard them.

Paul cherished family gatherings, which always included lively rounds of double-handed pinochle. A lifelong sports fan, he loved watching the Cincinnati Reds and attending Cincinnati Bengals games with family. He was also an enthusiastic fan of The Price Is Right and once traveled to attend a live taping, where he had the opportunity to meet Bob Barker. Above all, Paul found his greatest joy in supporting his grandchildren—attending their sporting events, dance recitals, and theater performances with pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Edna Jean Terry; his son, Thomas (Bobbie) Terry; his wife, Judy Terry; and his son-in-law, Mike Roach.

Paul is survived by his children: Kimberly “Kim” (Don) Simcox; Sandra “Sandy” (Todd) Ehlers; Elizabeth (Manny) Chopra; Christopher “Chris” (Robyn) Terry; Tammy (Mike) Roach; and Tanya (Mark) Harrison. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Blair Terry; Adam (Angela) Simcox; Brent Simcox; Priya Chopra; Kasey Chopra; Chloe Terry; Jamie Terry; Tara Clayborn; Tiffany (Sean) Jones; Elizabeth (Matt) Blair; Travis (Joy) Harrison; Zachary (Lauren) Harrison; Meghan (Tyler) Adams; Nicole Moore; and Edward Moore; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his sisters, Patricia “Patty” (Kenny) Hensley and Vickie Terry Hammer; his nephew, Todd Hensley; his niece, Lori Hensley; and many cousins.

Family and friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road, Dayton, Ohio 45432. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Randy Warner officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Zion Shoup Cemetery in Beavercreek.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Dayspring of Fairborn and Ohio Valley Hospice for their compassionate and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the American Red Cross or Ohio Valley Hospice.

Paul—Dad, Brother, Papa, Uncle—you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18