Dr. Richard Bruce Terry

Passed away on November 1, 2021. Born in Nashville, TN Oct 4, 1945, Richard was the son of Dr. and Mrs. J. Fred Terry of Cookeville, TN. A graduate of The Baylor School, Chattanooga in 1963, The University of the South, Sewanee 1967, and the University of Tennessee School of Medicine 1970. After retiring in 2019, he obtained an MBA from Tennessee Technological University.

Serving his country with distinction, Richard was a Colonel in the USAF and in the Tennessee Air National Guard as Commander of the 118th AW Medical Group, Chief Flight Surgeon, Tennessee State Air Surgeon and retired as Air National Guard Assistant to the USAF Command Surgeon. He served as president of the Air National Guard Alliance of Flight Surgeons and State Air Surgeons. For his service, he received the Legion of Merit from the Director of the Air Guard.

A board-certified surgeon, he trained at the University of Mississippi. In 1980, Richard founded Cumberland Surgical Associates, a general and colo-rectal surgery clinic. He was a former President of the Nashville Surgical Society and Vice-Chief of Surgery at Baptist Hospital.

A warm and engaging man, his patients appreciated not only his superb skills as a clinician, but also his commitment to the personal relationship so crucial between doctor and patient. Many of his patients became close friends and sought his advice on a host of issues.

A founding member of The Golf Club of Tennessee, Richard was also a member of Belle Meade Country Club. An avid collector of Scotty Cameron putters, he enjoyed traveling with friends playing golf in Scotland and Ireland. A yearly highlight was volunteering to work the Master’s Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynn Bates Terry and a daughter, Katherine Terry Strickland of Wilson, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dr. James F. Terry, (Springfield, MO) and beloved daughter, Leigh Marschalk Terry.

Private family services are to be held.

As Richard was a longtime member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, memorials may be made to the church, 4715 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 or The Nashville Humane Association, 213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209. Please see the links below to be redirected to each organization.

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