Frank Irvin Terrell, age 80, was born in Knoxville, TN, October 13, 1940, to the late William and Catherine “Mama Cat” Mallory Terrell. He peacefully departed this life, February 18, 2021, after courageously putting up a good fight against a lengthy illness.
Frank grew up in Knoxville and was an avid sportsman as was displayed in his talented baseball abilities. After graduating from Austin High School in 1958, he attended Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College, now known as, Tennessee State University. There he played baseball for the “Tigers” on an athletic scholarship.
In 1963, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed abroad in Germany as a member of the infantry earning a marksman’s medal.
Frank loved the Lord and professed his faith in Christ. He was a long-time member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church and later would join Martin Chapel United Methodist Church, serving in various roles such as singing in the choir, setting up for Communion, cutting the church grass, etc.
He enjoyed many athletic activities including golf, fishing, bowling, and basketball. His love of sports provided him with various opportunities such as previously serving as Austin-East High School’s basketball statistician and football announcer.
Frank was employed for more than 25 years with the United States Postal Service at various locations within Knoxville, retiring in 1992. Additionally, he was a long-time charter bus driver with over 40 years of service, which allowed him the opportunity to provide others with travel adventures across the United States and Canada.
Frank loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with them while attending the Annual Mallory-Stamps Family Reunion.
Frank united in holy matrimony to his soulmate, Carol Morris Terrell, and to this union two children was born: Shawn and LaTosha. Unfortunately, due to their untimely illnesses, both Carol and Shawn preceded Frank in death. Later in life, Frank would have a chance to earn the love of a Godly helpmate in his 20-year union to Leezetta Spears Jones Terrell.
One thing he wants all his family to learn from his experiences is not to give up, strive to do, and be better because all things are possible through Christ.
He leaves to cherish his memory, loving family members including wife, Leezetta; daughter, LaTosha (Xavier) Barton; daughter-in-law, Deloise Terrell; daughter, Larketta Patterson-Johnson; son, Edward Jones; grandchildren: Trevor and Victoria Terrell, Jevon and Taliya Barton, Mackenzie Patterson, Edward Jones II, Elise’ Jones, and Samira Jones; sisters: Mary Gardner, Beverly Goines, and LaTanya (Dennis) Upton; sisters-in-law: Barbara Cowan, Wanda (Edward) Howard, Juanita Credle, Bonnie (Joe) Garner, and Rose (Charles) Turner; brothers-in-law: Walter (Marilyn) Spears and W.L. (Gilda) Spears; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends too numerous to name.
Special thanks to Dr. Hesamm Gharavi and all the special nurses and caregivers at Tennessee Cancer Specialists; Dr. Suresh Kumar and his colleagues at Renal Medical Associates, and Dr. Donald Parker and his team with Summit Medical Group.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to Martin Chapel United Methodist Church, 1746 Ohio Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921.
Due to COVID restrictions, open visitation will be held at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary, 2823 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 12 – 8 p.m. Funeral service, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Jarnigan’s Chapel for immediate family and close friends. Interment, Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
ARRANGEMENTS BY JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY. Service is live-streamed at Jarnigan & Son Funeral Service on Facebook and YouTube.
www.jarnigansmortuary.com