John Terrell Cochran

John Terrell “Terry” Cochran, 79, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his home early Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, accomplished businessman, musician, writer, and lifelong storyteller. With his generous heart and wonderful sense of humor, Terry found his greatest joy in sharing laughter with his family and friends.

Born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, Terry graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1966. In 1970, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Erskine College in Due West, SC.

His professional career eventually brought him to Collierville, Tennessee, where he achieved considerable success in business and established lasting ties with the community. An entrepreneur and respected business leader, Terry was a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Exact Commerce USA, an international trading company based in Collierville, from which he retired in 2017.

Terry was also deeply committed to the Collierville business community. Representing Exact Commerce, he held several leadership positions within the Collierville Chamber of Commerce, including Vice Chair of Education and Chairman-Elect, before serving as Chairman in 2011. In that role, he led the Chamber’s 30-member volunteer Board of Directors, reflecting his dedication to the community he proudly called home.

Beyond his professional achievements, Terry was a man of many talents and interests. A musician at heart, he played both trumpet and drums. His creativity extended well beyond music, as he enjoyed painting and also authored multiple spy novels, combining his imagination, curiosity, and natural talent for storytelling.

Terry loved the game of golf, but it was the friendships and camaraderie that made his time on the course so special. He cherished those moments with friends, sharing stories, good-natured humor, and the simple pleasure of being together.

His greatest joy was his family, and he expressed his love through a lifetime of generosity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear. He was a loving husband, proud father, and grandfather whose personality, humor, and affection will remain an enduring part of his family's memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Gladys Cochran, and his older sister, Marilyn Sams.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Mary; sons, Jonathan (Ashley) and Josh (Christine); stepdaughters, Anna and Claire (Tom); and eight beloved grandchildren, Caroline, Will, Hannah, Sloane, Lily, Mary Francis, Emma June, and Thomas.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life service and reception on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Memphis National Golf Course clubhouse, located at 10135 National Club Drive, Collierville, TN 38017.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Terry’s honor. ST JUDE DONATION