Terry French Blakeslee

Terry French Blakeslee, age 78, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 25, 1947.

He was preceded in death by his two spouses, Jeanna Blakeslee and Lynette Blakeslee, and his son, Chris Monroe.

Terry was one of the most knowledgeable people you could have met, fueled by his deep love of books and learning. He attended East Carolina University before embarking on a new chapter in Japan with his wife, Jeanna, where he taught English for Berlitz. While shopping in local markets, they discovered a talent for sales that would shape their future endeavors. Together, they traveled throughout Japan and the United States, building their business, East West Connection, and selling clocks, prints, jewelry, and other unique items.

In the mid-1990s, Terry opened Specialty Lumber, where he dedicated himself to the lumber business. After the passing of his wife Jeanna, Terry later reconnected with and married his schoolboy crush, Lynette. They eventually closed the lumber company and moved to the coast, where he continued working in lumber sales.

Terry was a hardworking man who took pride in being able to fix just about anything. We often joked that he knew "just enough about mechanics, electrical work, and plumbing to be dangerous," but his skills helped countless friends and family over the years. He had a sharp wit and a love for puns, always ready with one at just the right moment. A lifelong lover of music, Terry worked as a DJ at radio stations in his younger days. His passion for cars began early, influenced by his uncle Charles, who raised him in Selma, North Carolina, where Terry graduated from Selma High School.

Though he spent a short time in California with his parents and two brothers, and traveled as much as possible with his niece Stephani, his love of North Carolina ultimately called him home.

Terry's sense of humor, kindness, endless curiosity, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was truly one of a kind-a wonderful man whose impact will not be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Parrish Funeral Home from 3:35 to 5:35 p.m.

He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Monroe-Paschall (Robert) of Fuquay-Varina; daughter-in-law, Shannon Monroe Little of Wake Forest; brothers, Lance Blakeslee of Kenly and Mark Blakeslee (Nancy) of Clayton; grandchildren, Tyler Monroe, Johnny Monroe, and James Paschall; and nieces, Stephani Johnson and Meja Petchel.

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