Garner Terry McNice Jr.

We are sad to announce the passing of Garner Terry McNice Jr, on December 28, 2022, in Boulder, Colorado. He faced the journey of aging with vigor, tackling everything that came his way. Terry lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis and showed us often that attitude could overcome pain. His final day's involved pneumonia, which was complicated by pulmonary fibrosis and Covid. Terry was born in Birmingham, Alabama and spent most of his childhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He received his Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Science degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, while raising a family. Terry served in the US Air Force. He was stationed in Texas and Puerto Rico before eventually landing on the flight line during the Korean war. His main task was to keep the fighter planes up in the air and battle ready. When Terry returned, he married the love of his life, Sarah Harwell, in 1954. Soon to follow was a family of 2 children, Bill & Cathy. Terry went to work for the Hughes Aircraft Cooperation in Orange County, California, then migrated east to Orlando, Florida, to work as an engineer for the Martin Marietta Cooperation. In 1967, the McNice family packed up and moved to Boulder, Colorado. Terry worked for the (NOAA) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He worked on multiple atmospheric research projects. We remember the laser labs, lidar vans and field trip stories. Terry's curiosity and desire for adventure and travel led him to obtain his private pilot's license. He flew a Cessna 182. His love for aviation took the family on many trips south to visit relatives and friends and even international trips to Mexico and Canada. We are thankful to have seen so many small airports in this country. Some were intended, others were not. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Garner Terry McNice Sr., Lucy McCalley McNice, and his wife, Sarah Harwell. He is survived by his brother, Langston McNice (Midlothian, VA); his son, Bill McNice (Heidi) of Boulder; and his daughter Cathy Corbett (Jerry) of Carbondale. He has two beautiful grandchildren, Maxene and Ian McNice. We will forever remember Terry, Dad, and Grandpa for his optimism and ability to handle life's curveballs gracefully. He remained witty, charming, and sharp-minded to the end. He loved New Orleans food & music, where his only care was, "Is it good and is there enough?" Terry was laid to rest beside his wife in Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder, Colorado. Donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation in his memory. www.arthritisfoundation.org