Terry James McLemore-Mullins was born on November 16, 1955, in Flint, Michigan. He spent most of his childhood in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1973. With a passion for the performing arts, Terry attended the University of Tennessee from 1973 to 1977, studying performing arts and beginning a lifelong journey devoted to creativity, performance, and the arts.
Following his time at the University of Tennessee, Terry began performing at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. His talents and ambitions soon led him to New York City, where he continued pursuing his love of the stage through Off-Broadway productions. New York City became home for much of his adult life, providing opportunities to grow as a performer and experience the vibrant world of theater.
Throughout his life, Terry also traveled and lived in several other cities where he performed in several dinner theaters, including Knoxville, TN, Cincinnati and Ravenna, Ohio and Palm Springs, CA. His experiences in these different places reflected his adventurous spirit and his dedication to pursuing his interests wherever they led him.
After returning home to Tennessee, Terry continued sharing his love of the performing arts through teaching dance and choreography, as well as working in various dinner theaters. His commitment to performance and the arts allowed him to remain connected to the stage while sharing his knowledge and experience with others.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Terry built a career as a paralegal, working with several attorneys throughout New York, Tennessee, and California. This professional path reflected another dimension of his life, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute in fields beyond the performing arts.
Terry was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Adams; his paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Roy F. McLemore, Sr.; his mother and stepfather, Glenda and Ben Simpson; his father and stepmother, Roy F. McLemore, Jr., and Ann Gwin; his sister, Carolyn Taylor; and his niece, Kisha Agee.
He leaves behind his beloved husband, Daniel McLemore-Mullins, who shared his life and journey. He is also survived by his brothers, Ben Simpson (Deana) and Marty McLemore (Kristie); and his sisters, Sandy Molasy (Barry), Cathy Ward (Steve), Lori Martin (Terry), Michele Burton (Billy), Angie Waggoner (John), and Johna Raines (David). He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with extended family and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
Beyond his professional accomplishments and love of the performing arts, Terry was a dedicated friend whose presence made a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. He was loved and cherished by everyone he met, and the friendships he formed throughout his life were an important part of his journey. Whether through his work, his travels, or the many stages of his life, Terry built connections with people that extended far beyond the places he called home. The love and memories he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
In accordance with Terry’s wishes, he will be cremated, and there will be no immediate funeral services. His family will be planning a Celebration of Life in early spring, providing an opportunity for family and friends to come together, share memories, celebrate his life, and reflect on the many experiences that made Terry who he was. Details regarding the celebration will be shared at a later date.
Terry’s life was shaped by his love of performance, his experiences across the country, his dedication to his professions, and the meaningful relationships he built along the way. From the stages of Nashville and New York to the theaters of Tennessee, his journey carried him through a variety of places and experiences, each contributing to the story of his life.
Terry James McLemore-Mullins will be remembered for his dedication to the arts, his many professional accomplishments, his enduring friendships, and the love he shared with those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on through the memories, laughter, and love he leaves behind. His life was one worth celebrating, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of his beloved husband, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
