Dunning Terrell

Dunning R. Terrell, 87, died February 24, 2011 in Avon Park. He was born in Bowling Green on Sept. 17, 1923 and had been a Hardee County resident most of his life. He graduated from Wauchula High School in 1942, served in the U. S. Navy from 1942-1945, and attended the University of Miami and Notre Dame, graduated from Louisiana Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree, and received his Master's degree from Louisiana State University. Mr. Terrell's teaching and coaching careers began in 1949 in Louisiana. He returned to Wauchula in 1955, teaching physical education, general math and algebra at Hardee Senior High School. He coached basketball for 11 years, was an assistant football coach for 11 years, and also took a turn at coaching baseball for a year or two. Coach Terrell was a winning coach while at Hardee, taking the basketball team to the State Finals in 1961. In 1964-65 and 1965-66, his basketball teams won the Southwest Florida Conference. In 1966 Coach Terrell went to work for South Florida Junior College, coaching basketball and baseball for 8 years. He retired from coaching in 1974 but remained another 12 years teaching health and physical education. Coach Terrell was inducted into the Hardee County Schools Hall of Fame in 2005, was awarded Hardee County Senior Citizen of the Year in 2005 and was Coach Emeritus at South Florida Community College. Coach's greatest contribution to the community he loved was himself. His personality and lifestyle demonstrated his character and commitment both on and off the playing fields. Dunning was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula, serving the Lord as a life deacon, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Sanctuary Choir. He is survived by his daughter, Judith "Judy" Terrell of Wauchula. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nita T. Terrell; son, Dunning Michael Terrell; brothers, Steve, John D., Clayton, Grover, Gene, and Corbit Terrell; and sisters, Ada Johnson, Ressie Whidden, and Lena Stringfellow. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 27th at the First Baptist Church of Wauchula from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. with services at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Jim Davis and Rev. Alan Permenter will officiate. Interment is in Wauchula Cemetery.

Dunning Terrell

September 17, 1923 - February 24, 2011