Terence Lee Anderson was born on June 29, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the middle child of Raymond Earl Anderson of Youngstown and Jeanette Carol Johnson of Jamestown, New York. Terry died on June 10, 2024, at the age of 78.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Douglas Patrick Anderson, and nephew, Eric Tyler Anderson. He is survived by his current wife of 40 years, Debra Scott Sims; first wife, Jane Marion Van Wagoner; his older brother, Raymond William Anderson; his two sons, Kent (Kendra) Allen Anderson, and Scott (Deborah) Earl Anderson; his nephews, David Taylor Anderson, and Jerry Scott Ryan; six grandchildren, Aliyah Katelyn Anderson, Kayla Grace Anderson, Carley Elizabeth Anderson, Karin Alexis Anderson, Jadelyn "JJ" Joeley Anderson, and Kadyn Zachary Anderson; mother-in-law, Joan J Wilson; sister-in-law, Darla Sims Ryan; and a grand-niece, Ainsley Scott Ryan.
Terry spent his early years in Youngstown, Ohio before moving to Canfield, Ohio. Jeanette was a trusted assistant to a local medical practice and Ray was an engineer with the Erie railroad. Both parents were hard workers and instilled the best of values in their three sons. Excelling throughout his childhood, Terry and his best friend Dave Hood graduated top of the class at Canfield High School in 1963. At CHS he lettered in multiple sports, played trumpet, held positions in student government, and was president of the National Honor Society. During his senior year his chemistry teacher became ill and could not teach for the remainder of the year, with qualified teachers scarce, Terry was asked to lead the class. He was the acting teacher for the rest of the year with the universal recognition that the class completed the course with a very strong knowledge of the subject. Terry continued his schooling at Wittenberg University and graduated with a BS in Business in 1968.
Following graduation, he headed off to Pensacola, Florida to attend the Navy's Aviation Officer Candidate School. He graduated at the top of his class and, given his choice of planes to fly, chose the A-6 Intruder. He made multiple deployments to Vietnam, flying over 200 missions and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medals. A consummate American patriot, Terry continued his outstanding career serving the country for a total of 27 years, retiring as a Captain in 1995 and earning many more commendations including two awards of the Legion of Merit.
Following completion of his naval career, Terry obtained a Master's degree in Education from Old Dominion University then moved with Debra to Birmingham Ridge outside Tupelo, Mississippi, where they both taught at Tupelo Middle School. Terry taught eighth grade science and also passed along his love of basketball, coaching the team at TMS.
Terry could not stay away from aviation and after four years teaching, took a job managing the Tupelo Airport. He played a key role in modernizing the airport, building a new air traffic control tower, and organizing the Tupelo Airshow highlighting the Blue Angels. Terry continued with his love of flying, piloting a small plane and serving as the squadron commander of the Civil Air Patrol. Following his work at the airport, Terry continued consulting on aviation matters for local airports as he moved into true retirement.
Terry was not all about flying (though that was a huge part of him). Terry was active in many other aspects of the local community, serving on the board of the North Lee Water District, and as president of the Northeast Mississippi Military Officers Association of America. Throughout his time in Tupelo, Terry was an active and faithful member of the St. Luke United Methodist Church congregation, playing a key role in rebuilding after the devastating tornado of 2014. When at home, he loved being outside, doing yard work and taking care of the horses, cats and dogs (and any other critter lucky enough to find a home in the barn). Terry was a role model for family and friends and in the words of one of his Navy compatriots, "a truly great Naval Aviator, warrior, leader and friend." He was a wonderful son, husband and father and will be deeply missed by all.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 1 PM Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Sanctuary of St. Luke United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Gill and Rev. Amber Lea Gray officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Church Columbarium, with full Naval honors. Visitation will be from Noon-service time on Friday. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve the family.
Memorials may be made to the Memorial Garden Ministry at St Luke UMC, 1400 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo, MS 38804. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the New Dimensions Sunday School Class at St. Luke UMC.
For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed on the St. Luke UMC Facebook page. Condolences may be posted to the obituary page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/obits.
