Terry Raymond Housley

Terry Raymond Housley, Senior Master Sergeant, USAF, (Retired)

Date: June 06, 2026, Age: 74

Terry Raymond Housley, Senior Master Sergeant, USAF, (retired) age 74, of Powell TN (Currently Wedgefield, SC) passed away on June 6, 2026, in Sumter County, SC.

Terry was born in Powell Tennessee to the late Zella Mae Housley (Roop) and the late Leonard R. Housley. He grew up in Anderson County TN graduating from Clinton Senior High School, Class of 1971. Senior Master Sergeant Housley earned an Associate Degree in Logistics Management from the Community College of the USAF (CCAF) and Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Administration from saint Leo University (Saint Leo Florida) in 2002. He continued his education to earn a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University (Alabama) in 2004. He entered active duty in 1971 and over his career attended numerous war planning courses and began instructing in logistical and transportation studies.

In his 27 years of service, Senior Master Sergeant Housley was a respected and sought out logistics air transportation planner for key operations for the USAF. He exemplified the core values of a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Military. He always led by example and was a master at planning bare base sustainment operations, critical to success of combat operations. He had various assignments that took him to many trouble spots of the globe. Notable was the conflict in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Gulf War one in Southwest Asia (SWA). He served in many roles with the USAF at the Higher Headquarters, Wing and Squadron levels. All unique to air transportation and logistics management. He notably said, “I am not a hero, but did have the honor of walking beside a few”.

Senior Master Sergeant Housley served during the height of the Cold War overseas and supported numerous covert and JCS deployments as well as several combat operations. Vietnam era veteran served in Southeast Asia and in Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada; and Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. (Liberation of Kuwait)

A persistent result-oriented military planner, that shied away from notoriety and preferred to fly below the radar. He received numerous awards and decorations including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Senior Master Sergeant Housley retired from USCENTAF/AFCENT Shaw AFB, SC in 1997.

After taking off the uniform, he was employed by the Bryan Law Firm in Sumter SC and later was employed by Dyn Corp and civilian international contractor that managed War Reserve Materials. Health and family circumstances unavoidably caused him to focus on retirement in 2004.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, and outdoor photography. He truly enjoyed the freedom, silence, and serenity in traveling to the great outdoors.

Lastly, he would like to credit his late Mother (Zella 1927-2008) for his spiritual awareness and moral compass, and late Dad (Leonard 1911-1988) for sharing his work ethic and interpersonal skills. In his youth he enjoyed the challenge and pleasure of viewing and observing wildlife, as well as locating wildflowers, digging ginseng, and ethical trapping for fur, food, and sport. He truly enjoyed the unmatched beauty of the local hills and streams of East Tennessee.

He was a passionate fan of the Tennessee Vols as well as a fan of Atlanta Braves Baseball and Atlanta Falcons Football. He joked about them attending his funeral, so they could let him down one last time. We all know his teams did better than most over the years. His older brother Paul always kept him in touch with fishing in Florida or deer hunting in Georgia. He was always immensely grateful for those unforgettable experiences/moments.

He leaves behind his brother Paul and spouse Teresa Dyer, sisters-in-law Donna Dyer and Sylvia Housley, several wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins, and long-time companion Brenda Myers and her loving family. He was preceded in death by brothers Leonard A. Housley (1935-2011) Donald Dyer (1949-2022), and twin brother Larry R. Housley (1952-2024).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a credible veteran or Alzheimer’s research center or plant a tree, or charity of your choice. An inspiring humble man, he will be greatly missed.

Visitation at Jones Mortuary 375 N Main St, Clinton, TN 37716. Service Date: Wednesday June 24, 2026. Receiving of friends and family from 4:00-6:00 PM with a ceremony starting at 6:00.

Burial Service with military honors will be held the following morning, Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM sharp, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. Family, friends, and Veterans are all welcome, please arrive by 9:45 AM.