Edward Terry Boswell

Edward Terry Boswell was born on 19 Dec. '41, the 2nd son of A. Sidney & J. Stella (Estella) Vanlandingham Boswell in Brunswick, GA. His early childhood was spent in the shadow of WW II. After living in the city the family moved to a small farm 6 miles north of town in '47. His was a tight knit family that espoused work and accomplishment. At the age of 7 he professed Jesus as his Lord and Master. A studious individual and an Eagle Scout plus Explorer Silver award, he won an appointment to the USAF Academy in Colorado at the age of 17 with a dream of being a fighter pilot. During his AF career Terry flew F-102's, F-4's, F-15's and F-5's as well as a series of trainers and transports.

In June of '63 he was graduated, commissioned, and assigned to USAF pilot training. On 11 September '64 he received his pilot wings and married Judith "Ladybug" Whorton on 12 September '64. They were married for 55 years and blessed with two sons, William Hamlin II and Keith Lewis. His Air Force career spanned 27 1/2 years with assignments in four countries, 10 states and included two tours in the SEA conflict where he amassed almost 600 hours in combat. He was privileged to command the 425th TAC Ftr. Training Sqd., Williams AFB, AZ, and serve as the Director of Operations for the 405th TAC Ftr. Training Wing, in the F-5 and F-15 at Luke AFB, AZ. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism with OLC, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 OCL and other awards.

Following retirement from teaching AF ROTC at the University of Arkansas the family moved to Claremore, Oklahoma in '93 where Terry worked for 15 years in various management positions with the NORDAM Repair Division, Tulsa, Oklahoma, including 4 years as their General Manager for the division in the Republic of Singapore.

An avid gardener, Terry saw vegetables as an introduction to neighbors, widows and co-workers. Flowers were also grown to add beauty and uplift many.

Because the Air Force moved him frequently, he always sought a home church and volunteered for any job. As a diligent Bible student, he taught Sunday School at most churches. While in Mesa, Arizona (Williams AFB) he was selected as a deacon in the Stanley Street Baptist Church. He also served as a deacon at Faith Baptist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma, International Baptist Church, Republic of Singapore, and First Baptist Church of Washington, Washington, Georgia.

After retiring he completed assembly of and RV-10 kit plane for traveling and moved to a small farm near Washington, Georgia to be near family and the soil where he specialized in planting oak trees as a long-term investment.

Life is a blessing when one subordinates himself to our Triune God and lives in the shadow of the cross.

He is survived by his loving sons, William Hamlin Boswell II and his wife Tami of Woodstock, GA, and Keith Lewis Boswell of Bonaire, GA. Terry was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Adeline Moss and her husband Jordan of Powder Springs, GA, and Will Boswell III of Woodstock, GA. He is also survived by his brother, Neal Boswell and his wife Ginger of Mebane, NC, and his sister, Betty Ann Lewis and her husband David of Silver Creek, GA.

Terry was preceded in death by his beloved spouse, Judy Boswell, his cherished parents, Sidney Boswell and Stella Boswell, and his brother, William “Hamlin” Boswell. His legacy of service, love, and family endures in the hearts of those who knew him.

We invite family and friends to join us in a celebration of Terry's life at a memorial service with full military honors being rendered at 1:30 PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Washington. The service, to be officiated by Dr. Phil Pilgrim, will be followed by a visitation, where those who were touched by Terry's life may come together in remembrance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolence Fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 603, Washington, GA, 30673 or to Gideon International, c/o Alton Ray, 123 Sheraton Drive, Washington, GA 30673.

Colonel Edward Terry Boswell's name will forever be held in honor and remembrance by all those who have known and loved him. May he rest peacefully, having ”…slipped the surly bonds of Earth”.

Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington, GA is honored to be entrusted with funeral arrangements for Mr. Edward Terry Boswell.