James Nelson Terry Jr.

James Nelson Terry, Jr. (Junior) of the Keeling community passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2021 after several years of Alzheimer’s disease. Junior was born on May 24, 1939 to the late James Nelson, Sr. and Hattie Terry. After graduating from Spring Garden High School in 1957, he chose to make farming his livelihood. He had inherited a love of working the land from his father. He also worked with Federal Crop Insurance for several years while farming. Junior married Vivian Martin, “the love of his life” on November 4, 1979. During their thirty year marriage, Junior and Vivian enjoyed many activities together. They followed NASCAR races and attended the Daytona 500 several times developing friendships with other racing fans. Bowling and dancing were two favorite activities that Junior and Vivian enjoyed together. Junior was the bowler and Vivian was his favorite cheerleader! On Saturday nights they would join their friends at country music dances. Junior was active in the Keeling community for years. He was a charter member of the Keeling Volunteer Fire Department where he received numerous awards over the years. He was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church where he faithfully attended until the COVID pandemic began. Left to cherish his memories are his daughter Pamela Sterusky (Mark) of North Charleston, South Carolina, step-daughters Rhonda Taylor (Tony) of Amelia, VA, Barbara Fisher (Wayne) of Volens, VA, step-son Kenneth Short (Diane) of Nathalie, VA and step-son-in-law Jeffrey Vaughn of Keeling, VA; step-grandchildren Rebecca Taylor, Wesley Haynes, C.W. Fisher, Jr. and Cody Vaughn; two sisters, Suzanne Terry Emerson (Ronnie) and Phyllis Terry McCormick (Sammy); nieces Teri Lane (Craig) and Reagan Boomer (Heath); nephews Kyle Emerson (Michelle) and Jeremy McCormick (Raven) and several great-nieces and nephews and many special friends. He was predeceased by his wife Vivian, his parents, step-children Ronnie Short, Judy Short, Sandra Vaughn and step-grandchildren Amber Lynn Taylor and Toni Lynn Taylor. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Highland Burial Park by Dr. Lee Harris. In lieu of visitation, relatives and friends may pay their respects at Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Home, North Main Chapel. In compliance with state and federal regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. 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 North Main Chapel is serving the Terry family.

James Nelson Terry Jr.

May 24, 1939 - February 19, 2021