Charles M. Terry
June 3, 1926 ~ April 18, 2013
Whispering Pines NC
Charles Maynard Terry, 86, of Whispering Pines, NC, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the FirstHealth Hospice House. He donated his body to science at the Wake Forest School of Medicine.
A private family memorial service will be held.
Charles, aka 'Terry', was born on June 3, 1926 in Kansas, and lived a full and rich life. He loved gourmet food, fine wine, golf, reading, jazz and classical music, landscaping and served on numerous environmental committees. Terry loved to tell stories and had a great sense of humor. He was intellectually gifted but humble, a great father, a true friend, an exceptional man who built his life upon a foundation of honesty and integrity - who was loved and respected by all who knew him.
He devoted his life to serving his country, first in the Navy during World War II and subsequently as a mathematician working for NSA (National Security Agency) and IDA (Institute for Defense Analysis). Terry was one of the first people to program a computer in this country and went on to play a key role in NSA's code-breaking division throughout the Cold War. He was an unsung hero, because most of what he accomplished for his country must remain secret.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bernis Arlene Terry, his sons, Gregory Maynard Terry and Richard Wayne Terry, his daughter, Joyce Lynn Darling, and his grandsons, Matthew Maynard Darling and Andrew Lynn Darling.
Memorials may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, 350 Los Ranchitos Rd., San Rafael, CA 94903 or www.guidedogs.com.
Powell Funeral Home and Crematory of Southern Pines is assisting the family
Online condolences at www.PinesFunerals.com
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We are sorry for the loss of your loved one, Mr. Terry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Lord will provide strength for you as you continue your Journey of Grief.
God’s Peace,
Staff and Pat Brown, After
Dear Joyce, Glen and Family, our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Marty and Maxine Muscatiello and Family.
I am so thankful to have met Mr. Terry. I really learned a lot from him and appreciate the kindness that was shown in the time that I knew him. I think of him often. He will be missed.