Willie Terry, Jr.

Willie Terry Jr. was born on January 5, 1931. He departed this life on August 1, 2024, with his granddaughter Kacia by his side. He was 93 years of age.

Willie Terry Jr., more commonly known as “Bill,” was born in Buena Vista, Georgia, to Willie Terry Sr. and Lola Merrit-Terry. He received his education in the Buena Vista, GA school system. Willie married his lifelong sweetheart, Parlee, in 1951, and the two of them moved to Wilmington, DE. Willie worked for ICI America Inc. and remained there until his retirement in 1994.

Willie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He continuously looked forward to visits from his grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren. Willie always kept in touch with his siblings and loved ones, spending much time conversing on the phone. Willie loved cars and learning how to fix them. He loved music, dancing, and singing. Willie was a member of New Mt. Bethel Baptist Church and loved singing in the choir. He cherished his church and attending services every Sunday. Willie was always known for keeping a smile on his face and making others laugh. In his community, Willie could be found driving around, making stops in the neighborhood and at the local stores. He could often be found sitting on his front porch, waving and speaking to those driving by.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Parlee Terry; his parents, Willie and Lola Terry Sr.; his son, Bernell Davis; his grandson, Antoine Terry; and his siblings, James, Otis, and Vertis “Joe” Terry, as well as his sisters Juanita McCluster and Bertha Wright.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his children: Anita Watson, Jacqueline Lathan-Terry, Willie Terry III, Anthony Terry, Alan Davis and Angie Murrey. His grandchildren: Julia Watson, Shaylyn Davis, Shannon Dickey, Kyle Terry, Kacia Terry, Jonathan Watson, Michael Lathan Jr., and Joshua Lathan. His great-grandchildren: Kyla, Kyan, Kyana, and Kyren Terry, and Gianna Lathan-Rodriguez. His siblings: Elizabeth Walker, Theresa Bakare, Mary Helen Patterson (Clarence), sister-in-law Adeline Ladon Terry, and a host of relatives and friends.