Derward W Terry

Derward Westley Terry, 92, of Columbus, GA, passed away July 31, 2017. He was born April 21, 1925 in Leesburg, FL, to his late parents Derward Webb Terry and Freida Caldwell Terry. After graduating with honors from Leesburg High School, Derward entered the Army Air Force Aviation Cadet Program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and Pilot at the tender age of 19 years old. He flew 17 B-17 combat missions over Europe in the 15th Air Force, until the war ended. Upon returning home he entered GA Tech and graduated in 1949. After graduation he was employed at Swift Manufacturing, Smith-Raymond, Partner in Comfort Contractors, and The Gas Light Company of Columbus where he retired as Vice –President , Engineering and Special Projects in 1988 after 29 years of service. Mr. Terry was: a charter member, Past-President and Past Executive Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus; Member and Sunday School Teacher of First Baptist Church of Columbus. Mr. Terry also provided years of dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America.

The family will welcome guests for visitation at First Baptist Church of Columbus, Wednesday, August 2, 2017 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. A Memorial Service will follow visitation at 11:00 am.

Along with his parents, Mr. Terry is preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Anne Richards and grandson, Shawn Terry. He is survived by: his wife of 21 years Peggy Rushin Terry; two sons, Steven (Pam) Terry of Forsyth, GA, Cliff (Ginger) Terry of Waynesville, North Carolina; daughter Liz (Peter) Corbett of Atlanta, GA; two step daughters, Cheryl (Bob) MacLeish, Beth (Dave) Emsley; step son, Eron Ingle; grandchildren, Christy Terry, Will Bruer, Valyne Terry, Patrick Corbett, and Jonathan Corbett; two great grandchildren Andrew Terry and Margaret Schoeke-Bruer, and four step grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to, First Baptist Church of Columbus, Spring Harbor Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.