Terry Lee Nellum peacefully slipped into eternal rest on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Lynchburg General Hospital with close family members by his side.  Terry was born on January 22, 1967, to the late Alexander Lee Nellum and Gaynell Wright Nellum.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelina "Cookie" Nellum, his father, Alexander Lee Nellum, and grandparents, Harry Mack and Gertrude G. Wright and Leroy E. Nellum, Sr. and Virginia Nellum Miller.

Terry was educated in the Bedford County School System, and as a young guy, he developed a passion for cars.  This led him to educate himself on rebuilding and refurbishing cars, and he was known as one of the best.  He worked with his great friend, Billy Coles in his shop for years and eventually was able to work in his own shop as a mechanic, which became a thriving place of business for many customers.  After his shop closed, Terry continued to assist others when they needed car repairs.  Because his expertise was so great, when his health began to fail, people would still call him, and Terry would explain what was needed and actually walk them through the repair work.  Although his physical body was not well, there was nothing wrong with his intellectual capacity when it came to vehicles.

Terry worked at Adam's Construction and Patterson Brothers as a paver operator and mechanic for the work equipment for many years.  He, his mom and brother Kevin all worked together for a period of time.  It was truly a "family affair". He was frequently seen showcasing his car that he and his son Brian built together at Natural Bridge, Waynesboro, New London Racetrack and others.  The smell of engine smoke was like a sweet cigar to Terry.  He could fix just about anything.  In addition to drag racing and working on cars, Terry loved to fish, and boy did he love his Dallas Cowboys. He had a heart of gold and shared a special relationship with his brother, Kevin.  He called himself his mom's secretary as he always tried to look out for her wellbeing.  He will be missed by his family and friends.

Terry is survived by his children, Brian L. Nellum (Stacey Flood), Terrell J. Nellum (Shanequa), Eric Wade, stepsons, Damien Jones (Dalerie Brown) and Jamison Jones, 13 grandchildren; his loving mother and caregiver, Gaynell W. Nellum, devoted brother, Kevin W. Nellum (Veronica).  His uncles, Harry and Michael (Linda) Wright, aunts, Mary Wright, Roberta Duguid, Shirley Forrest, Joyce Johnson (Michael), Rhonda Bonds (Eugene), Tabitha Wright, Harriett Hurt (George, Sr.), Glenda Hawkins (Dan), and Amy Nellum; nieces, nephews, cousins, loyal friends, including Benny Goode, Claude "Peanut" Hobson, Jerry Thompson, Osborne Watson, Tony Jones, Keith Morris, and Billy Coles,  of whom he talked to all the time.