Terry Lynn Kilgore

Terry Lynn Kilgore, 64 of Roswell, GA, went home to be with our Lord on February, 26, 2020. Born on January 11, 1956, he grew up on Highland Avenue in Atlanta, which is now at the intersection of the Presidential Parkway. Terry attended Highland and Morningside Elementary Schools and was a 1974 honor graduate of Grady High School in Atlanta. Proud to be a “Grady Knight”, he played football, basketball, and ran track. He was voted “Most Courteous” as a Senior Superlative. When he was hired by Sears & Roebuck in Atlanta, his personality soon had him suiting up as the store Santa for Christmas! University of Georgia, Athens, GA became home next, where he received a B.A. in Psychology in 1978. He always had a knack for solving repair problems and learned beside Bob Berry, Master Electrician, on the “new” Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport construction. Terry worked his way through graduate school in the campus maintenance department at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Rev. Kilgore felt the call into ministry and was ordained at Druid Hills Baptist Church in 1981. He was a longtime faithful, active member of Druid Hills Baptist Church participating in choir, mission trips, RA’s, teaching Bible School, leading Day Camp, and Mother’s Morning out, as well as playing on the church basketball, softball, and volleyball teams. He was later a member of First Baptist of Roswell, North River Baptist Church, and First Baptist Alpharetta.

Rev. Kilgore served as Minister to Youth at First Baptist Church, Roswell, GA., Manager at Contren in Norcross; Chief Officer of Installation at Atlanta Facility Services of Norcross. He was known for always going the extra mile and rolling up his sleeves to help make sure a project was complete. In 2002 Terry switched careers and joined Strong Pharmaceutical Services (later acquired by Stericycle). At Strong he was an integral part of the leadership team that innovated the pharmaceutical destruction business, providing DEA and EPA compliant services to the largest manufacturers and retailers. Most importantly, Terry had a distinct gift for forging personal lasting relationships with both his customers and team members. He was Pharmaceutical Division Manager for Strong Environmental, Inc. Even though he had three distinct careers, his ministry continued throughout his life. Countless coworkers, friends, and family members sought him out for counseling, weddings, and funerals.

TK, as he was often called, was a true friend to many people in all walks of life. Most knew he had knowledge of how to resolve plumbing, carpentry, and electrical problems. He would always put others first if they called and did it without drawing attention to himself for his good deeds. Whether you knew him at 13 years old or a mature 63, Terry was the same genuine person all his life. He gave great big bear hugs and was very protective to those he loved. He and Dolly met as babies in the church nursery, and he started dating her at age 17. This gave them 46 incredible years together as best friends and loves of their lives!
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel H. Kilgore and Loretta J. Kilgore, and his sister, Laverne A. Kilgore. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Dolly Berry Kilgore, his brother, Lamar D. Kilgore of Stockbridge, GA, and many friends or his “chosen family”. The Kilgore family wishes to thank family and friends for your outpouring of support through these difficult days. Your love has been shown in so many ways, including words of encouragement, visits, cards, flowers, food, acts of kindness, offers of support, and most of all your prayers.

The family will receive friends at A. S. Turner and Sons, Decatur, GA, on Sunday,
March 1, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the
chapel at A. S. Turner and Sons, on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 11:00am. Interment will be
at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Atlanta, GA at 3:00pm. All family and friends are invited.