Edwin Terry Lovell

Terry Lovell married Doris Vestal Evans on June 30, 1978, and they made their home together in South Jackson for the next 46 years. Though they did not have children together, he was an honorable stepfather to all five of her children and an even greater grandfather to eight grandchildren.

He graduated from North Side High School in 1961. Immediately after graduation, he attended West Tennessee Business College, where he earned a degree in Accounting and Business Administration, finishing at the top of his class. He went on to have a successful 40 year career at TDOT, from which he later retired in 2003.

A professed Christian, Terry was a faithful member of Meridian Baptist Church, where he loved his church family and regularly attended Sunday School. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge for many years.

Terry’s hobbies included playing poker and dominoes, among other activities. He enjoyed collecting coins and would often search for them on the ground wherever he went. A passionate sports fan, Terry followed baseball, football, and basketball closely, and when a major game was on TV, you could be sure he had the remote in hand. A social man, Terry spent every morning having breakfast with good friends at Food Giant and then stopping by Tobacco Place—so often that it was unclear whether he was a customer or an employee. Throughout the week, he would play dominoes with his close friends, who affectionately called him "Slick."

Terry loved music, dancing, and Diet Coke. His favorite color was anything plaid, and his preferred attire always included front pockets for his glasses, pen, and smokes. He wasn't just a cat person or a dog person—he loved both. Terry was reliable and would do anything for his family and closest friends. He loved with all his heart, and those who knew him loved him in return. Terry "Pawpaw" will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William G. Lovell and Clydia L. Terry Lovell; son, Robert Evans; granddaughter, Heather Mullins; and ten siblings.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Doris Vestal Lovell; his children, Larry Evans, Mary Ann (Denis) Rainey, Lisa (Gary) Newsom, Brenda (John) Lawrence; eight grandchildren, Tiffany (Neil) VanCleve, Brooke (Chad) Hall, Melissa (Quint) Ervin, Jason (Brittany) Rainey, Cory (Addy) Newsom, Holly (Karina) Ivy, Jordan Lawrence; and several great grandchildren he adored.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Terry Lovell will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm at New Friendship Cemetery near Beech Bluff. The family will receive friends on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. At 12:15, an escorted procession will leave for the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers you can send donations to tndeathrowdogs@ gmail.com