Ray Terrill passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the age of 75, with family at his side. Ray was a man of passion and joie de vivre who lived life according to his personal convictions and was loved more deeply through fifty years of marriage than many men could ever hope to be.
Ray was born on February 26, 1943 in Philadelphia. He was married to Linda Stewart on December 21, 1968.
Ray’s family, work, and relationship with God shaped his life. Ray described himself as a “kinetic learner,” and his career as a communications engineer took him around the world, feeding his insatiable hunger for adventure. He worked on early systems used to monitor Cold War communiqués and set up broadcast systems for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the historic Amsterdam 2000 conference. He also did work for several global ministries including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Joni and Friends, and Focus on the Family.
In 1998 Ray and his wife, Linda (who is disabled from polio as a child), helped found The Mobility Project to bring hope, dignity and independence to people with disabilities throughout the developing world. From 1998 through 2004 they travelled to such diverse places as El Salvador, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, bringing wheelchairs and other mobility aids to those in need.
Ray’s children share fond memories of his appreciation for culture and enthusiasm for gourmet cooking. Along with their faith, Ray and Linda shared a passion for hospitality, including good food and good wine. Their son helped them remodel their kitchen so they could cook together, while accommodating Linda’s large motorized wheelchair. Friends who were guests in their home recall their great cooking, inspired by their life and travels — everything from Philly cheese steak sandwiches to Moroccan dishes and Linda’s English beef stew. Homemade bread was a staple in their house.
In retirement, Ray and Linda savored evenings in front of the fireplace with a good book, walking their dog through their Colorado Springs neighborhood and sharing gourmet meals with friends and family. Ray enjoyed politics and the zest of a good debate, and in later years he became an avid blogger.
Ray is survived by his wife, Linda Terrill, his son Joel (Chelle) Terrill, his daughter Sarah (Jim) McMillian, and five grandchildren.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on March 3rd. Those interested in attending may contact his daughter by email at smcmillian1975@gmail.com for more information.
Thank you for a wonderful memorial. I will always cherish the memories that I was blessed enough to have spending time with Linda, Ray, Joel, and Sarah the times I visited them while they lived in southern California. It was wonderful that in 1991 Ray and Linda got to visit our family and we took a trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Linda was able to visit me one more time, and we took another trip on the Wine Train with my sister. One day we will all see each other again and never have to part. Until then, we can cherish all of the wonderful memories. The Lord bless and comfort each and every member of Ray’s family.
Jeanie Battistuzzi and Marina Bomar
It’s heart wrenching to hear of Ray’s passing. He and Linda were our backyard neighbors for many years and Ray will be fondly remembered by all of our family. May God bless Linda, his family and provide comfort to all who loved him.
Blessings