Terry Darnell Dillard, Sr. - Obituary

erry Darnell Dillard, Sr., beloved son of LaVonia and the late Kenneth M. Dillard, was born on June 15, 1967 in Washington, D.C. Raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, he graduated with honors from Friendly Senior High School and attended the University of Maryland College Park, where he majored in Computer Science. Terry was a prolific learner. He mastered myriad high-level certifications that allowed him to obtain numerous Systems Analyst and Engineering roles. Whether top-secret clearance positions within various offices of the Federal Government, private industry, or through his own consulting business, ‘Dillard and Associates’, Terry’s technological expertise was incalculable. One notable milestone was his contribution as a computer analyst to the start-up company Quantum Link, later known as America Online (AOL). As friends and family learned of his guru-level skills, he was the “go-to” for all things technology related. Terry merged his technological expertise with his passion for auto mechanics and helped develop several major auto repair operations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Terry was an only child and the only grandson in the family. He was loved and considered the “apple of their eye.” Although affectionately known as “Bonez” and “Sandy Henry” (because of his blonde hair), Terry disliked nicknames. He had a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), and learned to engineer computers, rockets, dirt bikes, and remote control airplanes from his father early on. He enjoyed fishing, calligraphy, camping, and grilling; he was an EXCELLENT cook and could make any dish from scratch. He helped family with home renovation projects, building decks, and yard work. In recent years, Terry devoted his Sundays to his mother and best friend, loving grandmother “Buttercup.” On August 26, 1989, Terry married the love of his life, Rhonda Crutchfield, and started his own family. His devoted children T’Nia, Terry Jr. (TJ), and Trent benefited from his larger-than-life personality. His infectious laughter filled any room. He was often the loudest and most involved parent at football games and other sporting events. His kids spent Saturdays cheering him on during adult football and bowling league days. Terry loved competitive Monopoly game night, jet-ski races, helping his kids with research, and family vacations. Terry and his entire family were baptized at Jericho City of Praise. On Sundays, the family would travel to four different corners of the district visiting each set of grandparents after church. Terry answered God’s call to rest on July 9, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother LaVonia Dillard; three children T’Nia Crutchfield, Terry Darnell Dillard, Jr., Trent Kenneth Dillard; grandmother Sirlemmer Cooksey, aunts Diane (Jimmy), Gloria (Rick), uncles Charles Cooksey, Jr., Julius Cooksey (Cindy), life-long love and confidante Rhonda, beloved friend Preston Cobbs, and a host of relatives and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Dillard, grandfather Charlie Cooksey, great-uncle James Mapp “Uncle Boot", cousin Tracy Rogers, and grandson Tyson Kenneth Dillard.