Richard Terrell

Richard Allen Terrell, a former Air Force officer, award-winning advertising creator and loving husband, died September 22, 2026, at his home in Goochland, Va. He was 79.

Rick loved to tell stories and jokes. Jokes he would tell his mom would have her cracking up. Even when he was in the hospital, Rick and his brother-in-law told each other jokes just about every night. Rick was personable and very encouraging to friends, co-workers and family. He was a man of many talents. Born into a musical family, Rick played the guitar. He enjoyed woodworking, being handy around the house and in the garage.

He is survived by his wife, Denise, of 32 years, step-daughter Rachel Evans, step-son Dallas Evans and his wife Shonda, and their children Addison and Braxton. He is also survived by his daughter Rebecca, brothers and sisters Barbara Joyner and her husband Donald; Pam Cross and her husband Wirt; Daved Brian and his wife Bobbie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard Bracey Terrell and Margaret Adelle Terrell; sister Betty Myers and her husband Jimmy, and brother Gordon, known as “Billy”.

Rick was born January 17, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He attended Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) where he studied art.

In 1966, during the Vietnam War, he joined the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged in 1970, he joined the Air Force Reserves.

After his military stint, he returned to Richmond and worked for various advertising agencies. He also spent time in New York City and elsewhere as a creative consultant, before creating his own advertising agency, Terrell Design.

He and Denise married in 1994. They lived in Goochland County where they kept horses and loved the country life. He enjoyed sitting on the back porch, watching the horses and being absorbed in nature. He set up shop in the garage for woodworking and working on cars and small engines. His home office reflected his many interests – books, model cars and airplanes, his drafting table and guitars.

Rick was fascinated by ancient history and had participated in archeological digs. He was spiritual and even as he was losing his sight, he continued to read the Bible. Reading stories in the Bible gave him comfort.

The grandchildren brought much joy to his life. Rick doted on them. He taught Addison to draw, and every time they visited, they would draw just about everything. While Addison would ride Denise’s pony, Rick would take Braxton, when he was very young, on walks around the yard. Later, Legos construction and building with toys was the activity of connection. Others called him grandpa; Braxton called him RickPa.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. October 30, at the chapel at Virginia Veterans Cemetery,10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, Virginia. There will be a Celebration of Life after the service at Fine Creek Brewery, 2425 Robert E Lee Road in Powhatan, Virginia.