Col. Ronald William Terry USAF (RET.)

Colonel Terry was born in Vinton, Virginia, the son of Kathleen Trent Terry and Olin Bur Terry. He graduated from Granby High School and in 1952 he enlisted in the Air Force and went into Basic Training at Samson AFB, New York. Successfully completing the aviation cadet program and then earning his wings, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Over his 31 years career, Col. Terry became known as "The Father of The Gunship," compiling over 200 combat missions and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Star Medal in Southeast Asia.

He is described in the official Air Force archives as a "subtle blending of tact and tenacity, self-confidence and openness, intelligence and common sense, and most significantly an uncommonly convincing salesman." Colonel Terry retired from the Air Force in 1983 as Commander of the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory in San Antonio, Texas and subsequently continued to consult with the Air Force Special Operations Command about the ongoing gunship programs.

During his distinguished career, he also earned the Legion of Merit with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 1 Bronze and 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. His other awards and honors include: First Recipient of the Harold Brown Award, Nominated for National Aviation Hall of Fame, inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame, and an award is given in Ron Terrys name at AFSOC. He was also honored in the Gathering of Eagles Foundation.

He is survived by the love of his life of 38 years, Carole. Together they have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. Michael and (Ketti) Terry, David Terry, Paul and (Lori) Terry and Tim and (Lori) Terry, Bobby and (Laura) Davis, (Will) and DeeDee Holbrook; and his grandchildren, Shenandoah and Joshua, Luke and James, Olivia and Caroline, Courtney, Jared, Sarah and Jenna.

The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice Team 551 for their extraordinary and compassionate care of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Ron will be remembered for his love of God, his Country and his family.

FUNERAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

1:00 PM

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.