Terry Starnes

Terry M Starnes (1951-2025)

Terry M. Starnes, age 74, passed away at home in Georgia on July 17, 2025, due to complications from cancer. Terry was born in 1951 to Orene and James Starnes. He grew up in Michigan and graduated with honors from Northern High School in 1969.

Terry held a life-long career with GM, starting as a line worker, then earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Economics, after which he served a 4-year apprenticeship to acquire a Die Maker’s card. During his tenure there he held several positions and accomplished many things for the company. He took particular pride in a project where he innovatively reworked the factory dies, doubling the output of car parts without increasing production time or costs! Terry’s talent for creative problem-solving led him to troubleshoot die engineering issues across multiple GM factories. He was a problem-solver who regularly thought “outside the box”, both during work and afterwards with his home-improvement projects. To make life easier, he actually engineered a lawnmower attachment for our tractor/mower that could simultaneously mow between the multiple hedges on our property. Definitely a “do-it-yourself“guy whose favorite store has always been the Home Depot! Even after retiring from GM in 2006, Terry’s passion for projects never waned. He continued to tackle home improvement tasks with the same enthusiasm and ingenuity that characterized his professional life.

Terry was cremated, according to his wishes, and the family has chosen to hold a private memorial for immediate family in Florida to scatter the ashes at a later date. There will be no formal funeral service

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Orene and James Starnes. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and his two children, Aaron Starnes and Audrey Berus.

The family is deeply grateful for the support and many prayers said on our behalf throughout this difficult journey, and kindly requests continued prayers for healing as we attempt to move forward.

In Terry’s honor, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Samaritan’s Purse
Boone, NC 28607
https://www.samaritanspurse.org