Reflecting Upon His Life

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14 1-3 (KJV)

William Terry Jr., beloved husband and father, was born the sixth child of ten on January 14, 1938, in Early Branch, South Carolina to the late William Grover Terry, Sr. and Alberta “Bertie” Green Terry. During the night hours of Friday, January 3rd, 2025, the gates of Heaven opened as God dispatched His Angels to bring him home. God touched his heart and whispered “come to me” for you have labored enough.

Affectionally known as “Connie”, he attended the public schools of Hampton County, South Carolina. He began gardening, fishing, and hunting as a very young man due to losing his father and grandfather in a tragic car accident at a very young age.

Connie was known by many and loved by all. In 1958, Connie was joined in Holy Matrimony to Esther Naomi Johnson. He moved his family to Syracuse, New York in 1965 where he became a furnace melter. He was employed at Frazier & Jones, where he was known as “Bill” for 38 years.

Connie was a jack of all trades. He could fix a car, build a house and was a great teacher. While living in New York, Connie picked up a love for motorcycles and cars. He rode a Kawasaki and was always known to drive a Cadillac.

He joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he gave his life to Christ. He served on the deacon board, sung in the male chorus and served faithfully. After retirement, he built a home right in his birthplace and returned home in 2003. He continued his service to the Lord at Pilgram Ford Missionary Baptist Church, Yemassee, South Carolina.

He was a great mentor and role model to many. Connie had a warm, generous spirit, and opened his home and heart to many people with unconditional love. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and a great deal of pride in farming, gardening, tending to his chickens, collards, corn, peas, and okra.

Connie was preceded in death by a son, William Donald Terry III; a daughter, Loretta Miller; five brothers: Grover William Terry, Timothy Terry, Brooker T. Terry, Sr., Lester Terry, and Wattie Capers, Jr.; four sisters: Margarite Capers, Hazel Mae Hamilton, Roberta Dunbar, and Bertha “Betty” Middleton.

Although Connie’s presence will be no more, he leaves loving memories that will remain embedded in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him. Connie leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 68 years, Esther Terry; three daughters: Mildred Webb of Early Branch, South Carolina, Pamela Terry of Syracuse, New York and Rose Marie Williams of Queens, New York; a son, Alexander Terry, Sr of Syracuse, New York; and a host of devoted grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.