Terry Derrill Elam

June 19, 1973 - September 29, 2020

On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, Terry Derrill Elam passed away in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 47 years old. The world has lost a great husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and leader. Terry was born on June 19, 1973 in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from Stratford High School class of 1992 and joined the United States Navy soon after graduating. He married his beautiful wife Heather Lynn Elam on April 10, 2010 and they raised 5 amazing children together, Nick, Ladarious, Jordyn, Braxtyn and Brisyn. Terry enjoyed taking trips with his family, grilling and most of all the Lord. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Terry was an amazing person who loved his family dearly. He never met a stranger and you would always see him with the biggest smile on his face that lit up any room he was in. His enthusiastic energy, bright and joyful personality made him the life of the party. Anyone that knew Terry was aware of what a huge Raiders fan he was and you would never see him without some Raiders related apparel on. Terry was in the car business for well over 20 years with his most recent employment being with Serra Chevrolet in Madison, Tennessee. Terry was loved by so many. The outpouring of prayers, love, support and kind words shows just how many people Terry had an impact on in his short 47 years on Earth. Terry will be greatly missed by so many but most of all by his children. Terry is survived by his wife, Heather Elam; five children, Nicholas, Ladarious, Jordyn, Braxtyn and Brisyn; his mother, Loretha Elam; his father, Danny McDowell; his step-father, George Moore; sisters, Lytrice Elam, Shatekia Elam and Natasha Swanson; his brothers, Thaddeious Elam, Wayne Sanders-Ebonne, Lamont Dunlap and Gene Dunlap;, five grandchildren and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Acknowledgements: Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part. Thank you to Pastor Howse, First Lady Brenda Howse and the church members of Greater Zion P.B. Church Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Alive Hospice Care Thank you to Barry Carver and all the employees of Serra Chevrolet for all you have done Thank you to George Baker Jr. of Highland Hills Funeral Home and Crematory Thank you to all of those that offered prayers, donations, support and kind words Thank you sincerely for your kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy during our time of bereavement.