Terry Vernard Burley, Sr. was born in Camilla, Georgia on March 7, 1965.  He was the beloved son of Annie Lois Burley and the late Jerry Burley, Sr.

He received his formal education at Mitchell-Baker High School graduating with the class of 1984.

At a very early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he was on the Deacon Board.

He was united in marriage to the former Teresa Merritt on April 10, 1991.  To this union three children were born.  One son, Terry Vernard Burley, Jr., preceded him in death.

Over the years, he labored tirelessly at Georgia Pacific in Albany, Georgia.  No matter what the task, he tackled each assignment with equal importance and prided himself in a job "well done."


Terry was a very conscientious individual who embraced opportunities and the chance to experience life with open arms.  He was goodhearted and had an everlasting love for family and friends.  He was one of those rare people with the unique ability to draw people toward him and become a part of their lives.  He always had a positive attitude, was quick to smile and laugh, and was an expert at making others feel good.  He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother, a nurturing uncle, a caring cousin, and a loyal friend.  You couldn't know him without being inspired by his love and devotion.  Terry enjoyed being active and had many interests during his life.  He was an avid sports fan, an incredible fisherman, and a loyal gardener.  He will be deeply missed by all who dearly loved him.

In addition to his son, Terry Vernard Burley, Jr., father, Jerry Burley, Sr., he was preceded in death by a mother-in-law, Wilma Johnson; brothers-in-law, Arthur Sanders, Jimmy Merritt, Robert (Luv) Williams; sister-in-law, Clara Arnold; brother-in-law, Terry West.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at his residence, Terry answered the Master's call to eternal rest.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his wife, Teresa Merritt Burley of Camilla, Georgia; three children, Tiana Janae Burley of Knoxville, Tennessee, Terry Vernard Burley, II of Camilla, Georgia, Travis Bradley of Camilla, Georgia; one granddaughter, Aria Janae McLucas of Knoxville, Tennessee; mother, Annie Lois Burley of Camilla, Georgia; nine siblings, Jerrie Dean West of Camilla, Georgia, Develyn Bownes of Atlanta, Georgia, Craig (Ann) Burley of Camilla, Georgia, Wanda Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia, Ricky (Tina) Burley, Sr. of Camilla, Georgia, Joyce Burley (Craig) Lusane of Atlanta, Georgia, Travis Burley of Atlanta, Georgia, April (Timmy) Cooper of Atlanta, Georgia, Mellikesha Burley of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Wanda Johnson Williams of Camilla, Georgia; Samuel (Angela) Merritt of Winter Haven, Florida, Spindola (Angela) Merritt of Moultrie, Georgia, Jimmy (Kahhi) Merritt of Tallahassee, Florida, Robert Fuller, Sr. of Moultrie, Georgia, Debra (Ronald) Robinson, Joyce Merritt of Jacksonville, Florida, Stephanie (Andre) Merritt Johnson of Moultrie, Georgia, Victoria Sanders of Albany, Georgia; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.