James Nelson Terry Sr.

James Nelson Terry, Sr. passed away December 19, 2017 at his residence in Keeling, VA after a decline in health the past few weeks. As he entered the gates of Heaven, there was a joyous reunion with Hattie, his “Dollbaby” of seventy-six years. He was born in the Slatesville community on April 14, 1921 to the late James Edward and Nellie Riddle Terry. Losing his mother at sixteen months of age, Nelson was raised by his uncle and aunt, Charlie and Hattie Terry, as their “adopted son” along with their nine children for his early childhood years. When he was ten years old, he returned to live with his father and stepmother, Ethel Reeves Terry. He was also predeceased by his natural brother, Aubrey Kermit Terry, and all of his “adopted” brothers and sisters. James Nelson was the last surviving member of his generation; but, his Christian values and work ethics live on today in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memories of a life well-lived are shared by Nelson’s surviving children James Nelson Terry Jr. (Vivian-deceased), Suzanne Terry Emerson (Ronnie) and Phyllis Terry McCormick (Sammy); grandchildren Pamela Sterusky (Mark), Teri Lane (Craig), Kyle Emerson (Michelle), Jeremy McCormick (Raven), Reagan Boomer (Heath); step-grandchildren Barbara Fisher (Wayne), Rhonda Taylor (Tony), Kenneth Short (Diane); seven great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren. James Nelson was an active member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church for many years where he had served as Deacon, Trustee, choir member, and member of the Building and Grounds Committee. He was a charter member of the Keeling Volunteer Fire Department and Board member for many years. He traveled to all fifty states with his wife, but his love always was to be in Keeling, VA. Nelson and Hattie were avid baseball fans and were season ticket holders for the Danville Braves until their health began to decline. Nelson always had a natural love of the land. Not only was he a successful tobacco and grain farmer, but he raised beef cattle, milk cows, hogs and chickens over the years. In addition, he planted large gardens each year that provided for his family and many neighbors. Nelson was a hard worker who would rise early and always start his day before daybreak. His hard work was recognized in 1960 when he was honored as “Young Farmer of the Year” by an organization of his peer farmers. His bird dogs and quail hunting were his enjoyment during the farming off-season. Nelson was known to leave early in the morning with a hunting friend and go quail hunting for the day. His goal was always to have enough quail for Christmas morning breakfast. The family would like to express their heartfelt love and gratitude to all the special caregivers for their dedication and love through the years. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 22, at Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Reverend Carl E. Burger and Reverend Herman Absher officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:30 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home and at the residence in Keeling at other times. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, P.O. Box 103, Keeling, VA 24566 or Keeling Fire Department, P.O. Box 12, Keeling, VA 24566. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Terry family.

James Nelson Terry Sr.

April 14, 1921 - December 19, 2017