News Summary
A Celebration of Life service for Thomas ‘Tommy’ Richard Terry will be held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home in Virginia Beach. Friends and family will gather to honor his legacy, which includes a life full of love, achievement, and community involvement. Tommy, who passed away at the age of 98, is remembered for his dedication to family and faith, as well as for his entrepreneurial spirit. Donations in his memory will support St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Virginia Beach, VA – Celebration of Life for Thomas “Tommy” Richard Terry Scheduled
Thomas “Tommy” Richard Terry, a beloved figure in Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the age of 98. A Celebration of Life service is planned for September 5, 2025, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, starting at 10:00 AM. Following the service, a committal ceremony will take place at Rosewood Memorial Park.
A Life Full of Love and Achievement
Tommy Terry was born on November 19, 1926, in Norfolk, Virginia, to William Andrew and Grace Atwell Smith Terry. Growing up alongside his two brothers, William “Billy” and Grayson, he was raised in a nurturing environment surrounded by family, creating what he often referred to as a “house full of love.”
Educated in the local area, Tommy attended Maury and Granby High Schools where he developed a passion for football. He entered the workforce soon after graduation and was recognized for his exceptional talent in sales.
Community Involvement and Family Life
Tommy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk, where he showcased his tenor voice in the church choir, particularly during Easter and Christmas celebrations. He married Evelyn Joyce Williams, with whom he shared a loving bond for over 70 years, raising their three children: Grace Lynne, Thomas Richard Jr. (Ricky), and Mitchell.
After building their first home in Roland Park, Norfolk, in 1963, the family moved to Virginia Beach. There, they established a residence on the Lynnhaven River, known as the “Terry Compound,” which became a gathering place for family celebrations and occasions, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas when Tommy enjoyed playing Santa for his grandchildren.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Hobbies
Tommy’s professional journey began with the co-founding of a construction and home improvement company, now recognized as the Home Modernization Center. His innovative spirit was evident when he converted a GMC motor-home into a mobile office, enhancing customer engagement.
An avid traveler, Tommy enjoyed cruising on various rivers and also had a passion for vehicles, riding a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle into his 60s. After the loss of his wife Evelyn in 2022, Tommy faced challenges but remained resilient, finding joy in entertaining his great-grandchildren by riding scooters. His faith and family provided him with strength throughout his life.
Legacy and Surviving Family
Tommy Terry is survived by his three children, Grace Lynne Dawson (Mark), Thomas Richard Terry Jr. (Patti), and Mitchell Taylor Terry Sr. (Trish). He leaves behind a legacy of love that includes twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. The family expresses gratitude to the caregivers from FirstLight Virginia Beach, as well as the staff at Waterford and Westminster Canterbury Hospice, for their dedicated support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tommy’s memory can be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. This celebration of life honors a man who lived fully, surrounded by family and faith, leaving lasting memories for all who knew him.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Thomas Richard Terry Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Thomas Terry Obituary
- Tribute Archive: Thomas Terry Trump Obituary
- Wrenn-Yeatts: Lonnie Terry Obituary
- Powell Funeral: Henry T. Terry III Obituary
- Wikipedia: Thomas Terry
- Google Search: Thomas Terry
- Google Scholar: Thomas Terry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thomas Terry
- Google News: Thomas Terry
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
