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John Terrell Obituary
Affectionately known as "Kid" to his family and friends, Terrell was born April 23, 1925. He was son of John Henry Terrell and Lula Hayes Terrell of Toccoa. One of Georgia's most loyal and passionate friends, he played high school football at Toccoa and finished his 12th year of schooling at Darlington Prep School, where he was the most valuable player in football.
At Georgia, he was President of the SAE fraternity, a member of the Interfraternity Council and, while on campus, established himself as a lifetime season ticket holder.
A veteran of World War II (U.S. Navy), Terrell became President and CEO of the Merchants & Farmers Bank of Madison County. The bank experienced outstanding growth under his leadership. He was Chairman at the time of his death.
Terrell was President of the Comer Lions Club and a member of the Madison County Development Authority. He also was a member of the Board of Directors of Castleberry Foods of Augusta, Trust Company Bank of Northeast Georgia (now Suntrust Bank) and the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation of Decatur. He was President of the Touchdown Club of Athens and the Athens City Club. A member of Gridiron Secret Society, he was an honorary member of the Georgia Letterman's Club.
He was a member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church.
In 2008, the University of Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame honored Terrell with its Distinguished American Award.
A founder and the first president of the Toccoa Bulldog Club, Terrell was the creator and facilitator of one of Sanford Stadium's most enthusiastic tailgate clubs. The ultimate traditionalist, he remained a loyal friend of The Varsity.
Terrell is survived by his wife, Elinor Tillman Terrell; his three children, Louise "Tootsie" Adams, John H. Terrell III (Mary Anna) and Greta Terrell Covington (Stephen); and a sister, Constance Terrell Ayers. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Elinor Marie Adams, Howell Hayes Adams, John Henry Terrell IV, Cecile McKey Terrell, Wallace Knox Terrell, Louise Celeste Covington and Ann Harper Covington. Also surviving are his two brothers-in-law, Thomas McKey Tillman Jr. (Mary Catherine) and Dr. Billups Tillman (Gina); and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2009, at the Athens First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Glenn Doak officiating. The family will receive friends at Bernstein Funeral Home from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison County Senior Citizens Center, 1265 Hwy. 98 W., Danielsville, GA 30633; St. Mary's Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Bogart, GA 30622; or First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, 185 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30605.
Online tributes for Mr. Terrell may be made at www.mem.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Terrell
DD Arrowood
September 3, 2009
He was a damn good dawg!
Dee Dee Arrowood
UGA '87
Jamie Shuford
August 28, 2009
To my good friend and fellow classsmate, Johnny. Sorry to hear about your father and I regret that I never got to meet him but after reading Loran's article, I feel like I did. From the fans that I know, you are the greatest Bulldawg fan and now I know where you got it. Hope to see you soon.
Pitts Wilson
August 17, 2009
Johnny, I have always had the utmost respect for your father and family. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. We have all lost a great man and great Bulldawg fan.
Kimberlee Patterson
August 17, 2009
There will NEVER be another man or boss like Mr. Terrell. He was loved and respected by all who knew him or worked for him. He will be deeply missed.
Teresa Patton
August 17, 2009
I was deeply sadden after reading that Mr. Terrell passed away. I worked for him at Merchants and Farmers Bank for several years. It was always a joy to see him walk in. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by many. My condolences go to Johnny and his family. I am sorry for your loss.
John Phillips
August 15, 2009
I never got to meet the man, but from reading all of the condolences here, I sure wish I had. I am so sorry for your loss, Greta.
Elena Hix Edgmon
August 11, 2009
Mr. Terrell was a true gentleman.
Tom Stovall
August 11, 2009
Terrell Family,
It was an honor and a pleasure to have known Mr. John. He meant a lot to the Stovall family and will be missed.
Tom Stovall
Andy Anderson
August 10, 2009
The Terrell Family,
On behalf of the Eddie Anderson family (myself and my 4 sisters- Judy, Marie, Pat and Jennifer)I want express our sincere condolences on the loss of John. Our dad, Eddie Anderson, was the head football coach at Tocoa high in the late 1930's/early 40's and established a lifelong friendship with John (and Doc Ayres)there that lasted thru his death in 1982. (John came to Dad's funeral in Washington by the way). Our Dad had attended Darlington, along with his 4 brothers (including Alf and Charlie who played ball at Georgia and knew John very well also) Dad was also instrumental in getting John to go to Darlington. Dad always considered John to be one of his dearest and most loyal friends and John proved that in spades many times thru the years. I and all my sisters went to UGA and John was extremely nice to all of us, as was his true, genuine nature.
I was fortunate to have my two sons meet John at several of his legendary UGA taligates and have them experience what a true gentleman looks and acts like. John Terrell was a class act in every since of the term---no brag, just fact! We will all miss him dearly but are comforted by the image of him and our dad and so many other of "Our Greatest Generation--WW II vets" in heaven re-united once again. God Bless always.
Col (R) Andy Anderson (Ft Bragg NC and Washington, Ga.)
Lance McDaniel
August 10, 2009
Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee,
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
The last of the Greatest generation.
My thoughts and prayers to all the Terrell family.
Lance Edwin McDaniel
Charlotte Booth
August 10, 2009
Mr. Terrell was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
George Suddath
August 10, 2009
To the Terrell family, I was saddened to read of Mr. Terrell's passing. My father ,Epp Suddath, who opened and ran The Varsity in Athens for over 40 years thought the world of John Terrell. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Terrell as I grew up in Athens and worked at The Varsity - He always had a smile and a kind word whenever he saw you. As an adult, I had occasion to talk to Mr. Terrell about our beloved Bulldogs and UGA has lost its Number I fan. I was blessed to have known this man.
Don Hemrick
August 10, 2009
Barbara and I will miss Kid,
but always remember the fun
times we have had together.
Our best to Elinor and the family.
August 10, 2009
We were friends of Mr. Terrell. Our connection with him was through banking. He was the best. Never was there a time when we went into the bank that he didn't come up and shake hands and ask how are you all doing. He was a great person. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
James and Kathryn Tolbert
Chris Withers
August 9, 2009
Dear Terrells:
We just hear of John's death this morning.Kid was the best! I'll always remember the 'ol Bulldog Bus and the bus trip we were included on to the Vandy game & the 5oth Anniversary of The Grande Ole Opry. He always "Hated Tech" as we all do & He will be missed by all of his many friends.
Chris & Nona Withers
August 9, 2009
We have just heard the sad news. Please know that JB and I thought the world of John. I feel sure they will be having a great Bulldog Reunion in Heaven today. Our prayers are with you all. Give my love to the family.
Betty Farr and family,
Greenville, SC
Gretchen Evans
August 9, 2009
Elinor and Greta,
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Terrell's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both in this sad time.
Gretchen Evans
August 9, 2009
I am so sad about the death of John Terrell. He was a gracious man and I have wonderful memories of him, particularly from childhood. He livened up the Rocky Ford/Plum Nelly neighborhood. My thoughts are with all of you.
Jean Kingston
Patsy Pierce
August 8, 2009
To the Terrell Family, Mr. John was a wonderful person and it was an honor to know him. We have lost a great person. He will always be missed by everybody who had the honor of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Paul & Suzanne Bowles
August 8, 2009
Dear Terrells,
Some of my earliest memories involve the enormous presence of Mr. Terrell at Christmas get-togethers, or big football weekends. He had the great gift of making those around him feel happy and welcomed... young or old. I will take comfort knowing that Mr. Terrell is now in heaven, and looking down at us with that wonderful, wonderful grin.
Elyse Billas Theodore
August 8, 2009
Johnny,
I was SO sad to hear of your sweet daddy's passing. He was the TOP DAWG...one of my favorites and always very kind. Please give your mom and sisters a hug for me...you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Hodges
August 8, 2009
Greta,
I'm keeping your family in my prayers. I know what it is like to lose your Dad. Hard to believe mine has been gone for 9 years. Thinking about you.
Love, Laura
August 8, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss, he was a very nice man. I know him through the Wilson Foundation.
Dorothy Motz
Caroline Whitlock
August 8, 2009
Mr. Terrell was such sweet person and will surely be missed by so many! I am sorry that I am unable to be at the service but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Love Caroline Whitlock
Brian Kirk
August 8, 2009
Terrell Family,
I will miss my many "discussions" with Mr. John. I have so many fond memories of him that I will cherish. I know I am a better person for having known Mr. Terrell. Cindy and I have the entire family in our toughts and prayers. We will miss him.
Virgil Steele Jr.
August 8, 2009
The Kid was was a gentleman. One of the finest SAE brothers ever. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Helen Terrell
August 8, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you ALL.
Love,
Helen Terrell
Tommy's wife
Judy Anderson
August 8, 2009
Mrs. Terrell and Family,
My father, Eddie Anderson of Washington, GA, thought very highly of John. Daddy taught John at Toccoa High School and they stayed in touch until my father's death in 1982. We used your lake house at Lake Raburn during the late 1950's and enjoyed it. John was a wonderful, very special person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sallie Fitzpatrick
August 8, 2009
Ms. Elinor and family,
I have so many fond memories of Mr. Terrell. Our family will miss him greatly. I know Daddy always enjoyed his lunches with Mr. Terrell. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! The world has lost a loving and generous man.
Sherry Allen
August 8, 2009
Terrell Family
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. It was a true honor to work for him and he will be greatly missed by many.
Jack & Dena Davis
August 8, 2009
BIG JOHN was one of my heros allways a smile, welcomed everybody to the tailgate, a real fraternity brother !!! PHI ALPHA TO THE KID !!!!!! Jack and Dena Davis
August 8, 2009
Dear Miss Elinor and family,
I am so sorry about Mr. John's passing. There are so many wonderful memories of you all in my childhood and will certainly feel his loss.
Love.
Lori Sams Smith
Zona Hanor
August 8, 2009
My first experience in meeting Mr Terrell was when we moved to Madison County (Comer) and needed a bank. We had moved from Athens to Comer and decided we needed to bank close by. The first day that I walked in, I was greeted by Mr Terrell in such a warm way--like he had known me all my life. He told me if I needed anything to let him know and I knew he meant it. I have seen him deal with people with so much compassion and it was from his heart. I am now an employee of Merchants and Farmers Bank and miss him so much. Sincerely, Zona Hanor
Deena Coile-Parham
August 8, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
August 8, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lamar and Marian Downs
James H. Alford
August 8, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Jimbo Walker
August 8, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Terrell thanks for always being there for me growing up and treating me like your own son!! Our entire family has all of you in our thoughts and prayers!!
Jimbo, Lisa, Bryant & Sailer Walker
Jim Boggs
August 8, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Linda Cofer
August 8, 2009
Dear Elinor, Carey, Sharon and I send all of you love and deepest sympathy. John was a dear man, loved by all who knew him. Please know we are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. With much love, Linda Cofer
Harry Rice
August 8, 2009
Mr. John was a true gentleman. I will always treasure the support I received from him over the years and honor the the times he requested my opinion.
To Johnny and the rest of the family...
it was an honor to know him and he will greatly be missed.
August 8, 2009
Mr Terrell was a fine man. My prayers go out to his family.
Bernstein Funeral Home
August 8, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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