Mr. Thad Aubridge Terry

Our Dad, Thad A. Terry was born in Sheffield, Alabama and grew up in Courtland, Alabama. He graduated Hazelwood High in 1953, where he was voted "Neatest Boy" and known as "our ladies man," which he remained into later life. In 1957, he graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now known as Auburn University) with a BS in Business Administration. After two years in the Air Force Reserves, he was Vice President at Security Mutual Finance. After leaving Security Mutual, he opened his first successful manufactured home sales lot, Jan's Mobile Homes, and launched 11 more sales lots in Alabama. In 1971, lured by the promise of a manufactured housing empire, orange groves, the booming Space Coast, and the newly opened Disney World, Dad moved the family to the idyllic Central Florida suburbs of Maitland, Florida. He opened Mobile Home Marketing in Orlando and expanded to the Space Coast, with Mobile World and several other sales lots and manufacturing home parks. Once Dad moved to Cocoa, Florida along the Indian River, he drew together a colorful community of family and friends who worked and gathered together for fishing, laughter, and good times. In his later years, Dad continued to go to work every day, and on Sundays, he attended First Baptist Church Port Saint John. Hurricanes aside, not a day went by that he couldn't be found on the dock along the Indian River. Dad loved life along the river, and everyone will always remember Dad walking from his condo or office once or twice a day to cast his net off the dock to catch mullet. When the weather and river were just right, Dad could spot a shimmering silver cloud just beneath the surface of the water, and could land 20-30 mullet at a time. But he never kept them for himself. He shared them with family, neighbors, and friends. That's how he was. Dad never met a stranger and was known and loved by many. He was always giving and generous with his time and attention. He remembered birthdays and celebrations. He always had a smile to give and advice to share. So many have told us he was like a father to them, a mentor, a dear friend. Dad's generosity extended to animals, domestic and wild, and he fed and doted on quite the menagerie. Most important, though, was a great blue heron named Waldo. Everyone will remember Dad's daily walks to the dock to catch mullet for Waldo and other seabirds. If Dad were ever delayed, Waldo would be there waiting for him. On the evening of September 5, Dad passed from us to join his mother, Gladys, his father, Kyle, and so many family members, friends, and animal companions in his Heavenly Home. He is survived by his son and business partner, Brett Terry; his daughter, Suzannah Ferron; his son-in-law, Chadd Ferron; his grand-daughter, Chelsea Terry; and his sisters, Bettie Hollis and Annie Kate Thaxton. Dad requested there be no memorial. He always preferred joy and laughter to sorrow. Instead, we ask that you all remember the good times and think of him with love.

Mr. Thad Aubridge Terry

May 24, 1935 - September 5, 2024

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Mr. Thad Aubridge Terry

May 24, 1935 - September 5, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information