‘Kid’ Terrell

TOCCOA – John Henry “Kid” Terrell Jr., 84, died peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2009.

Affectionately known as “Kid” to his family and friends, he was born April 23, 1925, the son of John Henry and Lula Hayes Terrell of Toccoa. One of University of Georgia’s most loyal and passionate friends, he played high school football at Toccoa and finished his 12th year of schooling at Darlington Prep School, where he was the most valuable player in football. At UGA, he was president of the SAE fraternity, a member of the InterFraternity Council and while on campus, established himself as a lifetime season ticket holder.

A veteran of the United States Navy during World War II, he became President and CEO of the Merchants & Farmers Bank of Madison County. He was chairman at the time of his death. He was president of the Comer Lions Club, a member of the Madison County Development Authority, member of the Board of Directors of Castleberry Foods of Augusta, Trust Company Bank of Northeast Georgia (now SunTrust Bank), and the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation of Decatur. He was president of the Touchdown Club of Athens and the Athens City Club, a member of Gridiron Secret Society, and an honorary member of the Georgia Letterman’s Club. He was a member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church. In 2008, the University of Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame honored him with its Distinguished American Award. A founder and the first president of the Toccoa Bulldog Club, he was the creator and facilitator of one of Sanford Stadium’s most enthusiastic tailgate clubs. The ultimate traditionalist, he remained a loyal friend of The Varsity.

Survivors include his wife, Elinor Tillman Terrell; children, Louise “Tootsie” Adams, John H. Terrell III (Mary Anna), Greta Terrell Covington (Stephen); a sister, Constance Terrell Ayers; grandchildren, Elinor Marie Adams, Howell Hayes Adams, John Henry Terrell IV, Cecile McKey Terrell, Wallace Knox Terrell, Louise Celeste Covington, Ann Harper Covington; brothers-in-law, Thomas McKey Tillman Jr. (Mary Catherine), and Dr. Billups Tillman (Gina); and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Sunday, August 9, at the Athens First Presbyterian Church with Glenn Doak officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Senior Citizens Center, 1265 Hwy. 98 W., Danielsville, GA 30633, St. Mary’s Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Rd., Bogart, GA 30622, or First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, 185 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30605.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.