Mr. John William Terrell, age 88, of Martin, passed away at the Hart Care Center in Hartwell on July 16, 2019, with family by his side. John was born on February 5, 1931, in Toccoa, GA, to Henry and Lillie Terrell. He was the youngest, and last surviving, of six brothers.
He graduated from Stephens County High School in Toccoa and later attended Piedmont College in Demorest.
On December 23, 1950, he married the love of his life, Johnnie Matt Haynie. They were married for almost 66 years until her death in August of 2016.
On April 30, 1951, after enlisting in the Air Force, John and his beautiful bride moved to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. They remained in Texas until his discharge from the Air Force on March 29, 1955, when they moved to Lavonia.
After his return from Texas, John opened a Nationwide Insurance Agency office in downtown Lavonia, where he worked until he joined the Franklin Insurance Agency. He remained at the Franklin Insurance Agency until his retirement.
Family was one of the most important elements of John's life. He spent as much time with his family as possible. John also loved caring for his garden and often shared the fruits of his labor with friends and family.
John was an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Martin since the 1950s. He was a deacon and member of the adult choir.
He was also a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge #241 F&AM in Lavonia.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie, and infant daughter, Patricia Jane. He is survived by his son, Steve Terrell and Steve's fiancée, Debbie Loudermilk; his daughter, Sheila Sharp and her husband, Brant Sharp; his granddaughter, Jennifer Whatley and her husband, Evan Whatley; and his grandson, Clayton Sharp.
The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2019 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Harvill officiating. Burial with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.