Terrell Edwin Horne, Sr.

Terrell Edwin Horne, Sr., age 97, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026 at his home in Oak Ridge, TN, followed closely by his wife Cornelia (Connie) Horne on May 1, 2026. They shared 75 wonderful years of marriage and a deep devotion to each other. Both passed peacefully at home. 

Terrell was born on October 29, 1928, in Lakeland, Florida, to Joel William Cullen Horne, Sr. and Clara Beatrice Methvin Horne. Terrell leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion, and deep love for family and community. 

He was a devoted and loving father to Terry (Phyllis) Horne of Merritt Island, Florida, and Amy Thompson of Clinton, Tennessee. His family grew to include 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 5 great- great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom he cherished deeply. In addition to his parents, Terrell was preceded in death by his sons, Thomas Payne Horne and Joel Timothy Horne; his grandsons, Terrell E. Horne III and Jason Horne; his sister, Margaret Louise Simpson; and his brother, J.W.C. (Billy) Horne, Jr.

Terrell was a proud graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Industrial Management. Shortly thereafter, he began a distinguished 27-year career in the United States Air Force. In the early 1960s, he earned his wings and went on to serve two tours in Vietnam. During his military career, he furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Business Administration from George Washington University. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Terrell continued his professional career in program management at K-25 and later as a Senior Lead ISO Auditor. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence remained evident until his full retirement at the age of 90. Terrell was a devoted and active member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, where his faith and fellowship were central to his life. For many years he served as Usher Team Leader and leader of the Missions Committee. He was also deeply committed to community service through Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Club of Oak Ridge. First joining in 1951, he remained a dedicated member throughout his life. In 1998, he was honored to serve as Governor of the Kentucky-Tennessee District of Kiwanis and received numerous awards recognizing his service and leadership. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Quality Private Duty Care for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Terrell in his later years. 

A combined service to celebrate Terrell and Connie’s life will be held on May 8, 2026. Receiving friends will be held at 5:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge, TN. Graveside services will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Americus on May 16, 2026, at 11 a.m.

In place of flowers and in memory of Terrell please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers (https://t2t.org). 

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Terrell Edwin Horne, Sr.