Lester Terry, Sr., 89, was a native of Early Branch, South Carolina, and husband of Evelena Williams Terry. Lester was born on August 2, 1933 to the late William Grover Terry, Sr. and Albertha "Bertie" Green. He was the fourth of ten children.
He attended school in Early Branch, South Carolina and was a curious and resilient child. At an early age, Lester learned the importance of education and hard work. He developed a strong work ethic that he embraced throughout his life. Due to the tragic loss of his father and grandfather, at age eleven, Lester and his brothers sacrificed their formal education and childhood dreams by taking care of their siblings and supporting their expecting mother.
Lester was a jack of many trades; farming was on of his first of many skills learned alongside his brothers and sisters. He demonstrated himself to being an entrepreneur from the early years of his life.
During his time in Early Branch, South Carolina, Lester owned and operated a night club in Cummings, South Carolina, providing a place for all the locals to hang out. He also worked as a seasonal worker traveling from South Carolina to Saranac Lake, New York, cutting and harvesting Christmas trees.
With motivation from his sister Hazel Mae, in 1967, Lester migrated to Syracuse, New York for better career opportunities and entrepreneurial advancement. Throughout the years, it was common for Lester to travel and move between the Northeast and Southern regions for work and family.
As a self starter, Lester built a career in the construction service industry. He was employed by many esteemed construction companies, while also operating as a sub-contractor, remodeling and repairing houses. He owned and operated Terry's Pool Construction Company, an auto repair shop in Yemassee, South Carolina, a construction and paving business, LL&R Construction Company, and a lawn care and property sanitation service for HUD/VA.
Lester had a true passion for entrepreneurship. He invested in real estate rental properties, creating a stream of income for him to be self employed and retire. In doing so, he created a legacy for his children.
He was a true believer and loved the Lord. He opened his home in Syracuse, New York for Bible study and prayer where people came and gave their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. This is where the birth of New Zion Deliverance Church in Syracuse, New York happened. He along with his wife, Evelena, were two of the founding members.
Lester loved his family and spending time with them. He especially loved his grandchildren. He was a people's person who could make a friend with anyone. While he was a hard worker, Lester also knew how to enjoy life. He appreciated hunting, boating, shrimping, crabbing, and fishing. He embraced Gary Butler as a son who became his fishing buddy.
Above all, Lester was a man of God and the patriarch of his family whom he dearly loved! He led his family by example, teaching them to love unconditionally, work hard, and to stand up for their beliefs.
He was preceded in death by two sons: Lester Terry, Jr. and Lendae Terry; four brothers: Grover William Terry, Timothy Terry, Brooker T. Terry, and Wattie Capers, Jr.; four sisters: Hazel Mae Hamilton, Roberta Dunbar and Bertha "Betty" Middleton.
Lester leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife of seventy years, Evelena Terry; one daughter, Lisateen (Eugene) McClain of Syracuse, New York; three sons: Glen Terry of Syracuse, New York, Norman (Karen) Terry of Belleville, Michigan, and Ronnie (Catreena) Terry of St. Helena Island, South Carolina; one brother, William (Ester) Terry of Early Branch, South Carolina; a daughter-in-law, Francina Terry of Syracuse, New York; a sister-in-law, Ethel Lee Johnson of Williston, South Carolina; twenty grandchildren; forty-five great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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