Colonel Dean "Terry" Biggerstaff

Colonel Dean T. (Terry) Biggerstaff, 85, Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully in his home on May 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving and adoring daughters. He was a 4th generation Jacksonville native.

He is survived by his devoted wife Inez, of over 62 years. Despite an injury to Inez that separated them physically in 2018, they were never truly apart. Terry visited Inez multiple times daily, completely devoted to her care until recently. He is also survived by his daughters Cindi Luten (Dr. Robert Luten) and Cathy Dixon. He had 5 grandchildren; Justin Dixon (Christina), Caitlin Philbin (Amelia), Jacob Luten (Rachel), Veronica Salkey (Kevin) and Matthew Luten; and 3 great grandchildren with another due in June. Terry is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Dean Purdy Biggerstaff and his father Clyde Terrance Biggerstaff.

Colonel Terry Biggerstaff led an honorable and heroic life. He exemplified love of God, country and family. His educational accomplishments include UF Business Admin BS; Air Command/Staff College, USAF; Air War College, USAF; and Regents College BS; Squadron Officers School, USAF; Commander's Safety School and Supervisor Training School.

Terry completed his pilot training in 1957. He served as Squadron Commander 159th FTR Intcp Sqdn, Operations Officer, Flight Commander and Air Technician, USAF 1957-1980. Terry served as the Air Commander, Group Commander 125th Grp, FANG 1980-1987. Upon retirement from FANG 5/87, Terry was approached by the Jax Port Authority and offered a job as General Aviation Manager for JIA, Craig and Herlong Airports from 1987-1998. During his time he assisted with the $100 million construction of the new terminal at JIA. He subsequently went on to teach and assist Jacksonville University in establishing their College of Aviation.

Some of Colonel Biggerstaff's individual decorations include: AF Meritorious Service Award, The AF Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with an oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Combat Readiness Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Florida Service Ribbon, Florida Commendation Medal, and the American Bicentennial Certificate of Recognition. General Arthur Agan of NORAD awarded Col Biggerstaff the 'Master of Air Defense Award'.

Terry loved to fly and teach. During his illustrious career, he flew the T-33, F102, F86D/L, F106 and F16. He accumulated over 10,000 hours of which 8,600 hours were "Single Engine Jet", inc 3900 hrs in the F106. He held single and multi-engine ratings, instructor, instrument, and rotor craft ratings with the FAA. In 1982 he led the fly-over for the grand opening of EPCOT and received keys to the "Kingdom".

Terry was a member of USO Board of Directors; Member of Armed Forces Committee, Jax COC; Member Military Affairs Committee Jax City Council; Member Technology Task Force Jax COC. Colonel Biggerstaff was a past President and Life Member of the National Guard Association of Florida and Life Member of the Air Force Association. He was also a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen, Aviation Fraternity.

The private graveside burial with full military honors will be on May 17th. There will be a public Memorial and Celebration of a well lived life, on Tuesday, May 25, at 2:00 pm. It will be held in the Hardage-Giddins Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, 32207. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Jacksonville University, Colonel Dean Biggerstaff Scholarship; (JU.edu/give - select "other") or The Animal Rescue & Adoption Agency (taraajax.com).