Terrill was born in North Platte, Nebraska, on October 26, 1931 to Vernon and Bertha Cox.

The family moved to California when Terrill was very young. They resided in West Hollywood and Oxnard, where Terrill attended high school. Terrill received his bachelor of arts degree from UCLA. As an undergraduate, he joined the SAE Fraternity. At one of the parties, I met and fell in love with Terrill, whom I later married. After his graduation from college, he enrolled in UCLA Law School. His legal education was interrupted by a two-year tour of duty in Korea with the U.S. Army. Upon his return to California, he re-enrolled in UCLA Law School and graduated in 1958. Shortly thereafter, Larry Grossman invited him to move to Lompoc to practice law in his office.

In 1962, we became the proud parents of our son, Gregory. Terrill was a dedicated father and took great interest in Greg's school and sports activities and supported him lovingly throughout his life.

In the mid 1960's, Terrill and Larry Grossman were instrumental in the creation of Lompoc Savings and Loan. Terrill served on its Board of Directors until its acquisition by Imperial Savings and Loan.
In 1966, Terrill was appointed Judge to fill a vacancy in the Lompoc Justice Court following the death of Judge Jim Finley. During his twelve years sitting as a Judge in Lompoc Court, he became a Municipal Court Judge and then was honored to become a Superior Court Judge.

In 1973, Terrill was one of the founders of First Valley Bank, which grew to have four branch offices. Terrill served as Chairman of the Board and after many successful years, the bank attracted the attention of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, resulting in a merger. Terrill served on the Santa Barbara Bank & Trust Board until its merger with Union Bank.

Terrill was involved in many community organizations and was always available whenever one of them needed his help. He was a past president of the Lompoc Rotary Club, the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and the Chamber of Commerce. Terrill was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He was a member of the Valley Club and the Village Country Club. Terrill had many passions, but he was especially fond of fly fishing in the Alaskan wilderness. Each summer, he would take a pontoon plane to his favorite remote lodge to wade the streams and rivers so he could enjoy fly fishing for salmon, among the grizzlies.

After his retirement from the practice of law, Terrill and I traveled throughout most of the world. We recently celebrated our 56th wedding anniversary. Terrill was a loving and devoted husband and father. He passed away early in the morning on April 1, 2016. He will be missed by all who knew him, but the wonderful memories remain. Rest in peace, My Love.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lompoc, 1600 Berkeley Drive at 1:00 pm.