Terry W. Painter
Dec. 17, 1949 – Aug. 13, 2021
Terry W. Painter, 71, of Richmond, VA, peacefully transitioned to Heaven on Friday, August 13, 2021. He was born December 17, 1949, to Ancel and Marian Painter in Braddock, PA. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Painter; and brother-in-law, Thomas Smetanick.
Terry is survived by his best friend and wife of 49 years, Joyce Painter; his children, Lori Pica and husband Taj of Richmond, VA, Carey Beth McMahan and husband Matthew of Raleigh, NC, and Michael Painter and significant other Elisa Vilorio of Miami, FL; a brother, Jeffrey Painter of Derry, PA; and grandchildren, Carly, Ryan, Delaney and Anna.
Terry was a self-professed academic, beginning his lifelong commitment to learning at the University of Pittsburgh (Hail to Pitt!), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. This led to a forty-three-year career as a pharmaceutical Medical Science Liaison where he developed clinical studies to treat CNS related diseases. During his career, Terry earned numerous awards, the most prestigious being the W.E. UpJohn Award, the highest recognition given to an employee.
Terry had many interests, including hiking, skiing, working in the yard, and making annual trips to the Outer Banks. Above all, he valued spending time with family, especially his four grandchildren. He was an amazing friend to everyone he met. Terry was compassionate and genuine in his interest in others and enjoyed listening to their life stories. He was a faithful member of River Road United Methodist Church and served as Stewardship Chairman and church Treasurer. He loved his church family, Contemporary Christian Sunday School class, his prayer group, and the Holy Spirit. Terry was a loving husband and confessed he had a crush on Joyce since the seventh grade that continued throughout his life. He was also a dedicated father, who always put family first. His children’s hobbies became his, and he adored his grandchildren and made every effort to be as involved with them as he was with his own children. Without a doubt, family meant everything to Terry.
A service of remembrance will be held on Friday, August 27 at 11:00 AM at River Road United Methodist Church located at 8800 River Road, Henrico, VA 23229. A visitation will follow the service in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Terry Painter to the Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer at www.gifts.duke.edu/dci or to River Road United Methodist Church missions at https://riverroadumc.org/our-missions/.
To my colleague and friend. You will always be with me.
Terry was so very loved by The Crossings at Bon Air Memory Care Community. He will always be remembered for his wonderful since of humor and for giving love relationship advice. Terry and Joyce will always be a part of our Memory Care family. Rest in peace my dear advisor. You are Loved.
Terry was one of most kind and caring human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
From the first time I met Terry, he made me feel like a welcomed family member. He left too soon, but his spirit will live on in his children and grandchildren.
Terry was a mentor to me. He bowed me how to be a man a husband and a father. He wa such a great inspiration. I will miss him so much
Terry was a wonderful colleague and my role model. I cherish our time spent skiing, golfing, talking, laughing , and crying, and will miss my friend “T.P.” who is gone from us too soon.
Terry was a great friend for many years. We both worked for Upjohn He and I planned the annual Upjohn Christmas luncheon for more than 25 years. Generally I would like to say that Terry was one of the finest people I’ve known! I will miss him very much.
We pray to God to bless your soul Terry, and for peace and comfort for your entire family. Even though we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you, we are sure you were a wonderful person. With love
The Vilorio Medina Family
My deepest sympathy to Terry’s family. Terry was a true joy to work with, the kind of guy you would want to share a foxhole with. He had an uncommon mix of technical expertise, passion for his work, and a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Terry pasding. Prayers to Joyce and family. Loved Terry’s laughter and joy he brought with him.love to you all.
Terry Painter was as fine a man as ever could be. He was a fabulous role model for me while I was with Upjohn. He was not only kind and a gentleman, but also able to explain the most difficult concepts brilliantly.
We are all better off for having known and worked with him.
. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the entire Painter family. Great guy with an infectious laugh. God bless to all
I am so sorry to learn about Terry’s passing. Although I have not seen him in some time I remember him fondly. What a really great guy and he could always make me laugh. My heart goes out to Joyce and all of Terry’s family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful person. Terry’s warm personality and great sense of humor will be greatly missed.
So sorry to read this sad news. Our deepest sympathy to Joyce and Family. May you find comfort in knowing we care.