Terry E. McEwen, 69, of Brownwood, TX passed away on August 28, 2019, in Dallas, TX from complications of pancreatic cancer.
Born May 28,1950, in Jacksonville, FL, he was the son of Raleigh O. McEwen, Jr. and Eileen Parish McEwen.
He attended school in Macclenny, FL and Webster, FL. He graduated from Cook High School, Adel, GA in 1968. He joined the Navy, serving aboard the USS Thomaston until his tour of duty ended in 1970. In 1972, he reenlisted into the Air Force and retired in 1995 as a SMSgt after 23 years of service. Receiving a B.S. degree during his military service, he began a teaching career in Decatur, TX, by developing the first Alternative School program for the district. He continued his education and earned a Masters of Education and Administration Certification. Next he served as Principal in Slidell, TX; then at Victory Field – Texas Youth Commission in Vernon, TX; and at Gainesville State School – TYC until his retirement in 2013.
Terry’s captivating personality embodied the real meaning of “Living, Loving and Laughing” and he never met a stranger. Terry’s paternal grandfather, Raleigh O. McEwen, Sr, was his role model and fostered his love of learning, reading and “being a great thinker.” Terry was a generous man who gave freely of his time to promote literacy, as he taught GED classes throughout his career and during retirement. He was also a Gideon and passionately shared his Christian beliefs. His legacy will live on in the memories of those who love him. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, friend, teacher, and “Gdaddy”.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Edith “Edie” Talley McEwen; beloved daughters, Teresa McEwen of McKinney, TX and Heather (Justin) McFarland of Mason, TX and his cherished grandchildren Hannah, Elizabeth, Abigail and Nathaniel; mother, Eileen P. Harris and stepfather, Jack Harris of Nashville, GA; sister, Janice (John) Bonnell of Valdosta, GA; sister-in-law, Lonna McEwen of Savannah, GA; uncle, C. E. “Pete” Parish; stepbrother, Johnny Harris of Atlantic Beach, FL; stepsister, Ann Mary Hampton of Arizona and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Terry is preceded in death by his father Raleigh O. McEwen, Jr. and his brother, Robert “Bobby” O. McEwen, and a stepbrother, Doug Harris.
Funeral services will be held on September 7, 2019 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church of Brownwood, TX.
Interment will be immediately after the service at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, TX.
Condolences can be conveyed online at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations in memory of Terry may be made to Gideons International and First Baptist Brownwood Building Fund.
