William Carnes Terry, Jr.

William Carnes Terry Jr., known affectionately as Bill, passed away at the age of 71 on October 9, 2024, in Ellicott City, Maryland, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 30, 1953, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bill's zest for life and infectious humor touched everyone he met.

Bill's legacy begins with his family. He is survived by his loving wife and travel companion, Donna L. Bowman, and their blended family, including sons Michael C. Terry and his wife Kara of Catonsville, Maryland, and Patrick F. Terry of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; stepson Kevin A. Lopez of Ellicott City, Maryland; and daughter-in-law Jennifer S. Terry of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Bill was Paw Paw Bill and Bop to his grandchildren  Quinn, Cole, Olive, Reagan, Lilla, and Wesley Terry. His sister, Theresa A. Heinze, resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was predeceased by his father, William C. Terry, his mother, Annie L. Terry, and his stepson, Andrew W. Pena.

Bill is also survived by extended family, friends that are chosen family and his brothers and sisters in the fire service. 

Professionally, Bill's life was defined by his dedication to the fire service. He was blessed with knowing his calling from a very young age. His journey began as a volunteer at the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. In 1974, Bill commenced a distinguished career with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, where he a was part of the first career firefighter/paramedic class in 1977. With his steadfast commitment and passion for excellence, he rose through the ranks and proudly retired as a Battalion Fire Chief in 2004. Bill's legacy is immortalized in the  lives he saved and the generations of firefighters and paramedics he inspired and mentored.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was an avid golfer, a passionate sports fan who supported the Redskins and the Orioles. He loved being the Captain of the “We Quit” on the Chesapeake Bay for many years as well as Captaining charter boats on several adventures in the Caribbean. His love for travel took him on many adventures, each one adding to the rich tapestry of stories he enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

Bill's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His adventurous spirit, his courage in the face of adversity, and his ability to find humor in life's challenges will continue to inspire his family, friends, and colleagues. William Carnes Terry Jr.'s story is a testament to a life well-lived, marked by service, love, and an indomitable spirit that will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Please feel free to honor the Chief with one more “Casual Friday” by wearing your favorite aloha wear to his services.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William Carnes Terry, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.