Sorry to hear about my old squadron mate passing.  Cecil Ewell and me were flying their wing when him and Nels got shot down. He was my instructor in the F4 training squadron “RAG” and joined Fighter Squadron 154 at the same time as me. He was a real professional and fun to be around. I attended his welcome home dinner south of Houston after he got home from POW prison. I will always remember him.   Sincerely,  Former Navy Lt. Clay Gresham

I grew up in Lake Jackson, and went to school with Gay. I pass Your Dad’s park named in his honor several times a week. Today I thought I would check and see how he was doing and found out he had passed away. I am so very sorry for your loss. I also lost my Daddy in April last year. I know how deep the loss is. God bless you all as you move forward without him. Thank you for his service and sacrifice, and for your sacrifice as a family living through all the time you worried about him as a POW.  I will never forget that. 🇺🇸
Schelli Cadenhead Martin❤️

To Mrs Susan Terry and Family,

I don't know if you will remember Frank Perdue who Randal served with long ago in San Diego California back in the early 1960's.  I am Frank and Betty Perdue's daughter Nancy Perdue Merrick and I remember both you and Randal from when I was a little girl and I believe we were all living in Brunswick Georgia at the time.  I remember how upset our family was upon learning of his capture and then  how happy we were to  watch Randal being released from Vietnam in 1973.  I am so sorry to learn of his death, but happy to know that he had a long storied career.  Frank passed away in 2009 and Betty in 2014, but both fondly remembered their years in the Navy and their friendship with the Terry family.  
Nancy Merrick, Cary NC

I was First Lt. on Niagara Falls in 1982-83. I had recently divorced and gotten custody of my two children. After a successful tour I wanted to go ashore and give my children a stable life.  Ross recommended Pensacola and I went there as Port Operations Officer, and finished my career as OIC US Naval Brig and CCU after a First  Lt. tour on the USS Yosemite.
My family owes Ross a tremendous bit of gratitude, 
In my 30 years of service, he was my favorite Skipper. 
To Susan: He is mourned and will always have a special place in my family’s heart.

This might seem strange, I never served with the man, I never met him, but I had a very good friend who did. He told me a story of a Captain who was more than just a Commanding Officer. More like a second Father to many of the men who served with him. He always made sure everyone had everything they needed. My friend sadly passed several years ago, but the stories he told me of Captain Terry have stayed with me all these years.  You have my deepest condolences.  He was a legend.

My memories as a child growing up in Lake Jackson are still so vivid of our hometown hero…from wearing my POW bracelet daily for Capt. Terry, to attending Girl Scout meetings in his home with my leader, Mrs. Terry, and befriending his daughters, to the grand parade we had heralding his joyous return.  They were all such a strong family during those difficult, uncertain times. I am so thankful that Capt. Terry was returned to his family to make more precious memories for such a lengthy life.  He was a true patriot and has undeniably earned his eternal rest.

Mrs. Terry and family - please accept my heartfelt condolences on Ross's passing.

I had the good fortune to serve aboard the Niagara Falls when Capt. Terry was in command. He was one of the finest men I've ever known. 

BZ, Capt. Terry.

Fair winds and following seas, sir.

Mrs. Terry and family, please accept my sincere condolences.  I always looked forward to seeing you and the Captain each year at your annual physical at the Mitchell Center.  My continued prayers for you and your family.
Sincerely
Helen Royal

I am very saddened to hear of Ross' passing.I will always remember the wonderful times we all shared at our favorite campground in Florida.Those were the good times.My deepest sympathy to you Susan and family.

Ross was a “roomie” (cell mate) of mine following “The Great Escape  in 1969“. We were in stocks 24/7, on half rations, and not allowed to bathe.  It was the worst of times, it was the worst of times.  Nevertheless, Ross was a great roomie.  I loved him a lot.  I don’t have the words to express how saddened I am to learn that he has flown west.   MIKE BRAZELTON  X-POW

Mrs. Terry and family, please accept my condolences on behalf of the family of Robert E. Mitchell.  Capt. Terry was a special friend and I know they will all be together, now.
Anne Mitchell Hargis

Ross was one of my roommates in the Annex prison camp.  He had energy and determination and a quick mind.  I will always remember his story about being forced to give the names of his fellow flight mates after being shot down.   He named them as Clark Kent, Ben Casey and John Wayne.   

To his many daughters I want to say he told a lot of stories about you all with a smile that you would recognize.   

One of his last bits of advice to me after release was, “You got to get rid of your ‘stuff’ to be happy.”   I am still trying. 

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss of this great  man. 

Tom Norris
Fellow POW

Dear Terry Family, 
We are sorry for your loss . Capt. Terry was truly a great man. We have so many fond memories of the Terry and Brown Family " get togethers" . He had such  a wonderful sense of humor! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. 

Love, 
Kevin, Beth, Janet and Marty Brown

Capt. Terry initiated me into the Chief's community in 1982. He was the greatest commanding officer i was honored to serve under. I just happened on his obit this morning and my heart sank with sadness at our nations loss of a great man. God bless  his family and wrap Capt Terry in your gratious arms and hold him close.

Don't try to measure your success against his... You will never come close.

A true man. God - Family - Country.
Consider yourself lucky if you even met him once...or if you "served" with him.

I am lucky to be a small part of his great family.

I am so sorry he is not still with us. My prayers will continue.

OBITUARY

Capt. Ross Randle Terry

February 1, 1936 – April 24, 2024

Oak Lawn Funeral Home

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