In loving memory of Terrance “Terry” Anthony Sullivan (64 y.o), who passed away too soon at his home in Summertown, TN on Friday, June 23, 2023.
A beloved father, gifted pilot, and decorated Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, Terry was born on February 3, 1959, in Palo Alto, CA. He was the beloved son of the late George and Mary Sullivan. George was a commercial airline pilot for Pan American Airways and Mary was a nurse turned homemaker after having children. Terry grew up in Santa Clara, CA.
After high school, Terry continued to higher education and received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University in 1981. During his undergraduate years, Terry participated in the Marines’ Platoon Leader Class program, earning him a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from college. Two years later, Terry earned his wings of gold in Beeville, Texas. He was assigned to fly attack aircraft. Upon completion of his training in the A-4M Skyhawk, Terry joined VMA-214, the famous “Black Sheep” squadron. After his active-duty service he was hired by Northwest Airlines. He became a Delta Air Lines pilot after the two companies merged in 2008. He retired from commercial flying in 2020 at the age of 62.
Throughout his life, Terry brought the discipline the military instilled in him to any activity he pursued. He always measured twice and cut once, followed the paved path (never cutting through the grass), and arrived on time. He was the most dependable person you could ever know. He was the father of three boys. He had his first child (Derek) in 1988, and soon after in 1990 had identical twins, Dan and Patrick (PG; short for Patrick George).
Terry was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Sullivan. He is survived by his sons Derek, Dan, and PG, his siblings Pat Sullivan and Barbara Nelson, and Aunt Sister Ruth Reischman.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 14th 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena in Columbia, TN. The burial will take place on Friday, July 14th 2:00 pm at Tennessee National State Veterans Cemetery.
