MAJ Terril M. Throckmorton USA (Retired)Cullum: 26073 Class: 1965 Cadet Company: D1 Date of Birth: September 5, 1942 Date of Death: December 1, 2022 Died in: Harrisonburg, VA Interred: Arlington National Cemetery - View or Post a Eulogy |
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Terril Marquette “Terry” Throckmorton was born in Panora, IA on September 5, 1942 and passed away on December 1, 2022 just after sunset, surrounded by his family, in Harrisonburg, VA. His parents were Richard and Aletha Throckmorton. When Terry was born, his father was deployed overseas and held captive as a POW during World War II. Terry had three siblings: Kevin, Richard, and Cindy. At his passing, Terry was survived by his wife, Judith Ann; two of his siblings, Richard and Cindy, as well as five children, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchild
During his high school years, Terry joined the American Legion Boys State and became an Eagle Scout. As a cadet, he was involved in a wide range of activities: SCUBA, Chapel Choir, Ski Club, Ring and Crest Committee, Debate Council and Forum, Rocket Society, Spanish Language Club, Glee Club, Track and Field, and 150-pound football. Classmates fondly recall his remarkable sense of humor, even when walking off demerits “on the Area”; or as “that tall quarterback” who inspired a teammate to “hang in there” on the team; or as a “fun-loving guy, dedicated cadet, gentleman, and good friend.”
On graduation day he married Connie Lenhart of Leesburg, FL. Eventually, they had two daughters, Melissa and Christina, while moving about on assignments in various posts in the U.S., Germany, and two tours in Vietnam, including time with the 82nd Airborne Division. Subsequently, in 1974, he earned an M.A. in journalism from the University of Florida and began teaching at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. The following year they moved to Fort Bragg, NC.
After a marital separation, Terry married Judith Ann Price of Fort Worth, TX, who brought her two sons, Scott and Terry Price, to this new family. They subsequently had a daughter, Nicole. The family moved to Europe for Terry’s final assignments in Frankfurt, Germany and Hulsberg, Netherlands, which also included opportunities for six years of family travel and camping around Europe.
Terry retired from the Army in 1986, and the family moved back to the United States, highlighted by a two-week road trip across the country. They eventually settled in Springfield, VA. While in Northern Virginia, they owned five frame stores, “The Picture Framer,” across the region.
In 1990, after many trips to the Shenandoah Valley, they moved to Elkton, VA and so began their longest “station.” Terry began a post-military career in sales at Massanutten Resort and, shortly after, Judith Ann joined him there. They spent 20 years working together for Great Eastern Resort Corporation until they retired in October 2014.
Terry and Judith Ann spent the last eight years of retirement traveling and visiting family across the country, welcoming great-grandkids and spending their days enjoying their home and families together in McGaheysville, VA.
A lifelong soldier, adventurous and independent, Terry spared no expense to spend his last weeks with his family as normally and lovingly as he could. He’d fought and beaten numerous cancers throughout his life; he never faced a challenge he didn’t think he’d win. He was admired by his family for his courage, steadfastness, loyalty, and compassion.
After his passing, condolences poured in from classmates, friends and acquaintances whose lives he had touched and affected positively in ways he may not have realized, just as he had done during his four years as a cadet and in 21 years in uniform. One classmate who served with Terry at Fort Riley, KS recalled how Terry helped him deal with the tribulations of that first assignment and how they survived Jungle School together. Another admired Terry as a “D-1 Warrior of the highest capability, who defended the other first classmen from a notorious tactical officer.”
Another was from the son of a military family when they were all living together: “My family lived in the same apartment building in Frankfurt, Germany from 1980 to 1983. We would have cookouts late in the evenings during the summers, and we would all have a good time. Later, I took a sabbatical from the University of Florida and lived with the Throckmorton’s running one of the picture framing stores in Fairfax, VA. I learned much from him. He was very organized with the assembly of the pictures. I learned from his example, and to this day I can still frame a picture…the experience was good for me and gave me the confidence to talk with strangers when I served the customers with decision making. Thank you, Terry.”
One of his children’s close friends summed up his perception of Terry: “It was my honor to stand beside my great and lifelong friend Scott Price today and remember the life and service of his father to our beloved country. Most of all, I felt proud to have known such a man as Mr. Throckmorton. A kind and humble soul who served our country in peace and war and then helped to raise the next generation of Americans. Hoo-ah, Sir!” — Tripp Elliot
— Family and Classmates: John Lyons, Classmate; Judith Ann Throckmorton, Wife
