Terry Joe Carlson, 69, passed away peacefully at Princeton Baptist Hospital on Friday, August 22, 2025 surrounded by his family and loved ones. A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega with a service to follow at Pine Hill Memorial Park at 1:00 P.M.

Terry was born in Talladega and a was graduate of Talladega High School, Class of 1974. He served as an active member of the United States Navy from 1974 until 1978. He was a longtime employee of Elbit Systems Ltd., formerly International Enterprises Inc., and retired from there in September 2022 after 40+ years of dedication.

Terry was a devoted husband for 44 years and a loving father for 47. His family was his world, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed rebuilding cars in his spare time and building and flying model airplanes for many years. He loved working in his yard and riding his tractor. He was a member of many bowling teams throughout the years and would work sudoku puzzles (for fun) when stuck on an airplane for work travel purposes.

He loved to grill for his family and no one’s ribs could rival his. He was an all-around great guy and loved by all who crossed his path.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Carlson, of Talladega, his parents, Carl and Nan Carlson, of Talladega, his brother, Jackie Carlson, of Talladega and his son-in-law, Matt Caylor, of Gallatin, TN.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Brandy Gaither (Jason), Sara Clifton (Jerry), and Terri Carlson, his seven grandchildren, Micaela Johnson (Andrew), Carly Bright (Tyler Kitchen), Chloe’ Smotherman, Harrison Carlson, Sydney Smotherman, Elizabeth Carlson and Elise Carlson. He also has three beautiful great-grandchildren, Olivia Kitchen, Eli Kitchen and Maisie Kitchen (due in October). The family would also like to give special mention for his sister, Cindy deSa (Hilaire) and her three sons, his companion of 5 years, Deborah Jobe, and his bonus grandson, Christopher Nunnally.

Pallbearers will be Jason Gaither, Jerry Clifton, Andrew Johnson, Tyler Kitchen, Chris Wolf, and Jeremy Wolf.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega will direct services.