Joseph L.S. Terrell (1929–2021)

Joseph L.S. Terrell, of Point Harbor, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2021. He was 92.

He was born in Burlington, North Carolina, on October 13, 1929, to Marvin C. Terrell and Imogen McCullers Scott and raised in Raleigh. He was a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, with a degree in English. He was one of five children in a loving family, all of whom have predeceased him: Peggy, Jane, Marvin (“Laddie”), and William (“Billy”). He was also predeceased by his first wife, Frances Fuquay Terrell and his second wife, Faye Trolson Terrel.  As he once put it, “I’m the last man standing!”

Our father was, at his heart, a writer. He was inspired at an early age to write after reading Emerson’s essay on “Self Reliance.” For him, “that was the only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do since that day.” 

And write he did: 16 books. His most popular were the Harrison Weaver mystery novels set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

He is survived by four children, Michael S. Terrell of Goode, Virginia (Jenny); Emily Terrell of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; Jennifer Terrell Faircloth of Point Harbor, North Carolina; Christopher T. Terrell of Atlanta, Georgia (Laura); 10 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. 

A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life is being planned by the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Carolina Writers’ Network.