Hobart Terrell Baldree

Hobart Terrell "Terry" Baldree, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024 at Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, GA. Terry was 83 years old.

The son of JP and Naomi Baldree, Terry was born on July 27, 1940 in Cleveland, TN. A resilient soul, Terry faced a challenging start to life. He was the second youngest of five siblings, and due to the untimely death of his father when Terry was just five years old, he and two siblings were forced to enter the Church of God Orphanage in Cleveland, TN. Terry lived there for over three years while his mother and eldest brother worked to provide for the family. Terry's lifelong appreciation for southern gospel music began while sitting on the church pew with his mom during their Sunday visits.

Always looking for fun, Terry's adolescent years centered around sports, entertainment, and anything but school. Terry left high school after his junior year and tried to find a job before eventually enlisting in the military in 1960. As fate would have it, Terry served overseas in France for the majority of his military career where he worked but mostly played. Returning to Cleveland, TN in 1963, Terry's working career was spurred on by his wise older brother, Don, who after multiple attempts finally found something Terry was born to do, sell insurance. Terry's charm and charisma were perfect for the job, and he would go on to successfully own an independent agency for over 40 years.

Terry's charm also won over Ms. Linda Lawrence in 1970 in Chattanooga, TN. The two were married in 1972 and soon after moved to Atlanta, GA. They had their one and only son, Lawrence Todd Baldree, in 1977 before amicably divorcing in 1982. Terry made the most important decision of his life that same year, sobriety. Through his indomitable spirit and unwavering love from God, Terry overcame every obstacle and remained sober for nearly 42 years, a feat he was incredibly proud to boast about to anyone that would listen to his remarkable story.

Family was of utmost importance to Terry. He was a devoted father and attended all of Todd's academic and sporting events in East Cobb, GA before moving to Sarasota, FL after Todd's high school graduation. Terry spent 17 years loving the Florida sunshine before moving to Woodstock, GA after his first grandchild was born in 2013. Terry loved living closer to family and spending quality time with his grandchildren, Britten and Ben, who called him Papa T. He truly loved his family and the time spent with them creating lasting memories filled with laughter.

Terry was one of a kind. He reveled in the simple pleasures of life, hardly spending a dime, and somehow managed to make money in retirement. In his free time, he loved Facebook, Fox News, and the Alabama Crimson Tide until he converted to the Georgia Bulldogs after his son's graduation from UGA. Whether it was watching the S&P 500, Georgia football, or simply spending time with family, he managed to find solace in the simplest of joys.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, JP Baldree; mother, Naomi Bruce Baldree; older brothers, Don and Jimmy Baldree of Cleveland, TN, and older sister, Marion Baldree Lawson, of Huntsville, AL.

Survivors include Terry's son, Todd Baldree; daughter-in-law, Mandy Baldree; granddaughter, Britten Baldree; grandson, Benjamin Baldree, ex-wife yet friend, Linda Lawrence Uhler of Roswell, GA; younger sister, Paula Crye, of Cleveland, TN, and several nieces and nephews.

As we bid farewell to Terry, let us remember his remarkable journey and honor his memory by embracing the resilience he embodied. May his soul find eternal peace.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 at Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock, GA. The visitation will be held between 12:00-1:00 p.m. with light lunch offerings, and the service to follow from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A private committal service will follow in the coming weeks at Georgia National Cemetery for Veterans in Canton, GA for immediate family members. We thank you for your love, support, and for sharing in the celebration of Terry's life.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Dementia Society of America® at https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate