Terry E. Duis

Terry Duis, age 71, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 12, 2011. Born in Mallard, Iowa, he was the son of Herbert and Darlene Duis, both deceased.

Terry graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting in 1965, joined Arthur Andersen, and became a Certified Public Accountant. After "cutting his teeth" for many years in Andersen's real-estate practice, he then moved to the healthcare industry, became an expert, and led Andersen's Atlanta healthcare team. He was the account partner for many healthcare providers in Atlanta and the Southeast including: Charter Medical, Egleston Children's Hospital, Emory Healthcare, Georgia Baptist Healthcare System, Grady Health System, Northside Hospital, Promina Health System, Scottish Rite, Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, and Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia, SC. He was one of the community leaders instrumental in the creation of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Terry was respected and trusted by his clients for his business and financial advice and was a mentor to dozens of partners and staff, who found him to be a great teacher, encouraging and consistently appreciative of their work. Bob Johnson, managing partner of Andersen's Atlanta audit practice, described Terry as "one of the most resilient and positive leaders I know." Donna Hyland, CEO of CHOA, said "Terry was a strong role model and example of the highest of ethical standards and integrity in our profession. I looked up to him and learned from him." The relationships that Terry developed at Andersen lasted throughout his life. Terry also served on the American Institute of CPAs Healthcare Industry Committee and was instrumental in the writing of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for healthcare organizations, which remains the definitive source for standards, guidance, practices and "how-to" advice for handling audit and accounting issues in healthcare. Terry retired from Arthur Andersen in 1997 after a 33-year career.

In addition to his distinguished business career, Terry was an active community leader. He served in significant positions on the boards of DeKalb Medical Center and Visiting Nurse Health System where his deep healthcare expertise, practical wisdom, and unassuming disposition brought tremendous value in both good and tough times. He was selected nationally as Volunteer of the Year by the Visiting Nurse Associations of America in 2002 and was honored locally by Visiting Nurse Health System in 2008 for his tremendous leadership and service.

Terry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed tennis, golf, watching TV, and spending time with his baby grandson. He was a dedicated Gators' fan. He had a great sense of humor and was always happy to extend a helpful hand to anyone in need. Terry loved his family and will be missed dearly. Terry is survived by Connie, his wife of 49 years, son Mark, daughter-in-law Jenny, and 15-month old grandson Alexander. He is also survived by his sister Tracy, her husband George and their families, as well as brother-in-law Carless and his families.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, November 18, 2011 in the chapel of A. S. Turner and Sons in Decatur. The family will receive friends the hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Eternal Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery in Snellville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Health System at VNHS.org. A. S. Turner & Sons

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033