Joe Terrell, 85, of Traverse City, departed this earthly home on December 26, 2021. Joe was born October 17, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Much of his childhood was spent in Lynn, Alabama.
After graduating from Southgate High School in California, Joe joined the United States Navy. A great naval memory was the tradition of jumping off the side of the ship as they crossed the equator. For many years Joe kept a map outlining the voyage of his naval ship.
Joe spent a career in sales, both in California and Michigan. He always said his favorite job, however, was being a volunteer chairperson of Munson Medical Center's Ambassador Program, working closely with hospital staff to help ensure patients and family members could navigate the hospital halls.
Joe's greatest characteristic was not just his love of humor and fun but mostly his desire to interact with others. He would strike up a conversation with strangers or would be the adult who threw an unexpected snowball. Joe was an excellent athlete, excelling in tennis and basketball. As a young adult he would play against many country club tennis pros.
Joe was preceded in death by: his loving wife of 41 years Kathryn Terrell; brother, Floyd Barton Terrell; mother, Jessie Pernie Terrell; father, Thomas Floyd Terrell; daughter, Wanda Terrell; and great-grandson, Nickolas Terrell.
Joe is survived by: his children, Leafa (Jim) Spencer, Arnie (Lisa) Terrell, and Judy (Matt) Vajda; step-children, Julie (Ed) Stout and Alan (Janine) Robinson; grandchildren, RJ Terrell (Melissa Welles), Amy Moore, Eddie (Heather) Nickerson, Angie (Ian) Cahill, Krystal (Bart) Long, Spencer Terrell, and Preston Terrell; along with 11 great-grandchildren.
Joe has been a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and a member of the Traverse City Church of Christ since moving to Traverse City from California in 1979. He enjoyed singing in barbershop quartets and leading the church congregation in song. Members of the Traverse City Church of Christ who preceded him in death and those whom remain today were his closest of friends.
The family would like to acknowledge the Memory Care Unit staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for their kindness and care. Please consider a donation in Joe's memory to support the Elm Pavilion Patio by using this link
https://www.gtpavilions.org/donate/
and clicking on the In Memory of option, and including Joe Terrell in the "name" section.
A celebration of life will take place at 12:30 PM, Saturday, February 12, 2022 at the Traverse City Church of Christ with military honors to follow.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
