Terrence John "T.J" Egan

North Myrtle Beach
Terrence John Egan, age 59, went home to be in the presence of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 12, 2025. He was a dearly loved husband, devoted father, caring brother, uncle, and great-uncle whose life overflowed with love, encouragement, and service to others.
Born on January 26, 1966, in Freeport, Illinois, to John and Arlene Egan, Terry grew up in the Midwest with a strong work ethic, a warm smile, and a love for swimming. His passion for the sport led him to State competitions in high school, a scholarship to swim at Northern Illinois University, and a lifetime of helping others gain confidence in the water. He rescued numerous people while lifeguarding, later became a competitive open-water swimmer, coached Masters & Adaptive Swimming in Rockford, Illinois-always cheering others to personal victories.
Terry's professional career and passion as a fundraising executive spanned more than 30 years. He raised millions of dollars for foundations, charitable organizations, and ministries worldwide. Most recently, Terry's efforts supported Coastline Women's Center in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Come Go With Us ministry in Zambia, Africa. A leader in his community, Terry served as President of the Carolina Forest Sunrise Rotary and volunteered with the Adaptive Surf Project and Adaptive Bike Rides, using his photography skills to capture moments of courage and joy.
Service was woven into every aspect of Terry's life. Whether making birthday calls, sending encouraging texts, reconnecting with childhood friends, delivering meals, or serving on the Production Team at NewSpring Church, he gave his time and talents generously. In September 2023, he publicly declared his faith in Christ through baptism in the Atlantic Ocean under a brilliant sunrise - a reflection of the hope and light he carried in his heart.
Terry turned his love for photography into a thriving business along the Grand Strand, capturing family portraits, weddings, senior photos, and special memories for countless people. With his wife, Jen, he partnered to bring music and inspiration across the world, supporting more than 40 volunteer musicians in performances for the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the 80th Anniversary of Normandy in France. Together, their love and teamwork impacted many lives.
Terry is survived by his wife of 13 years, Jennifer Egan of North Myrtle Beach, SC; son, Nathan Samsel (Anna Bernhardt) of Denver, CO; daughter, Taylor Egan (Adam Sweitzer) of Denver, CO; step-daughters, Sara Hallstein of Dayton, OH and Shannon Hallstein of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Colleen Egan Nicolosi of Madeira Beach, FL; nephews, Matthew Nicolosi (Jessica) of Rockford, IL and Michael Nicolosi of Madeira Beach, FL; great niece, Ava Nicolosi of Rockford, IL; brother, Patrick Egan (Sharon) of Poynette, WI; nephew, Riley Egan (Marissa Gray) of Portland, OR; niece, Delaney Egan (Evan Warwick) of Madison, WI; and many other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John B. Egan and Arlene Egan.
Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Carolina Forest Chapel, 325 Hinson Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579.
A memorial service for Terry will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 21, 2025 at NewSpring Church in Myrtle Beach with Rev. Johnathan Foster officiating. Private burial will follow. The memorial service will be live streamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@nsmyrns
A celebration of life will be held in Terry's hometown, Freeport, Illinois at a future date. Details will be published on social media when they become available.
In lieu of flowers and to carry on Terry's vision of giving, the family requests donations be made to The Egan Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, https://cfnil.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1214. The funds will be used to support charitable organizations worldwide.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Carolina Forest Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
"His Lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord.'" -Matthew 25:21