Terry Lee Merrell's Obituary
Terry Lee Merrell
Terry was born in Midland, Texas as the eldest child to Robert and Jean (Parker) Merrell on November 9, 1949. Robert passed away in 1957 leaving Jean with 7-year old Terry and three daughters, Scherry, Sandy, and Bonnie. Growing up in West Texas, Terry developed a lifelong passion for country music, jazz, blues, and dancing.
Terry sought more adventure than Midland could offer and he joined the US Navy in 1968 where he served on the USS Turner Joy. He was awarded two Bronze Stars before his discharge in 1972.
After his Navy deployment, Terry found San Diego too irresistible to leave and decided to make it his home. Using his Navy training and additional college courses, Terry entered into the developing computer technology field and joined Kyocera America in 1975. There he worked in a variety of programming, network administrator, and IT management roles before retiring in 2013.
Terry loved the arts whether it was collecting mid-century furniture and Native American basketry to his own drawings and paintings. He was a supporter of artists and he enjoyed his large art collection making his own home look like an art gallery.
Sadly, Terry developed Parkinson’s disease at the start of his retirement which diminished his dabbling in his newly budding art hobby. He quickly replaced it with Boxing for Parkinsons and his “ring name” was Terry-Dactyl. This exercise outlet gave him a renewed interest in life as it replaced his former activities of golfing and racquetball.
At 75 years old Terry passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Gerald Poole, his sister Sandra Merrell, and his partner Robert Maresca. He is survived by his sisters, Scherry Gatewood and Bonnie (Donald) Beavers, nieces Delana and Brandi, nephews Trey and Jason, six great-nieces and nephews, and many cherished cousins, relatives, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at Greenwood Memorial Park with a reception to follow.
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?
