Obituaries
Obituary for Terance R. Carnes
Terance Roderick Carnes, 63, died December 31, 2021.
Live Stream Link: https://youtu.be/fxtBWAngIog
The world has lost one of its most generous and loving souls after a nearly three year struggle with cancer. Terry fought his battle fiercely until the very end and never lost hope. Surrounded by his loving friends and family, he took his last breath and peacefully left his broken body on New Year’s Eve 2021. Terry will be remembered as “Mr. Memphis”, “Wedding Crasher”, the life of any party, and affectionately as “Skillet” to his Hamilton High School friends and classmates. A beautiful friend to so many, he loved life, living, and never missed an opportunity to share his wit and humor with his friends and everyone around him.
Terance grew up attending Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church on Elvis Presley Boulevard. He studied voice and piano at an early age. He loved singing and dancing! He was a member of the Riverview Jazz Band. While attending Hamilton High School (1976 graduate), he was very active, in the role of reporter as a senior class officer, in the Ambassadors (social club), Senior Glee Club, National Honor Society, and the Waterford Theatrical Guild. He was voted as one of the two “Most School Spirited”. He attended college at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN and also at that time, Memphis State University now known as the University of Memphis. During these years, Terance participated in several entertainment venues such as Libertyland, #1 Beale Restaurant & The Cabaret. One in which he was particularly proud to be a part of was “Whole Lotta Shakin!”, a collaboration between Mud Island & Memphis State University that celebrated the spirit of Memphis music.
Another proud time in his life was when he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Eta (KH) Chapter as a young Memphis State University student. He proved to be a staunch supporter and frequent contributor to local community programs. Brother Carnes remained committed to its tenets for nearly 45 years. According to one of his Alpha brothers, “he was more than a member.”
Terry worked for much of his career in the hospitality business as a server, bartender, host, caterer, and hotel concierge until his life took a new turn. At the age of 50, he became a student once again at the University of Memphis and graduated with an education degree in 2015 of which he was most proud! The next year, Terry began his new career as a preschool teacher. He loved the children and brought to the school system the same infectiously joyful personality he offered to his downtown friends, high school classmates, and family. Mr. Carnes was the guide and mentor for many future generations of Memphians. His talents were so appreciated by his pupils, parents, and other faculty.
Known by many and loved by all, Terry and his soul will always be in our hearts. There are few people who can be called everyone’s friend, and Terry was one. He will be missed by everyone, and especially by his partner, Andrew Williams, who took excellent care of him, his sister, Trinda, his extended family and by his closest friends.
Tributes from the family
My brother was a free-spirit with a beautiful heart. Growing up, even though I was the eldest, He was my protector. He would challenge people in my life that he felt didn't have my best interest at heart.
I was amazed at how he took on the world. He was a bright shining star whose light was extinguished too soon. I loved him with everything within me. I will miss him not being somewhere in this world every day.
Trinda Merriweather, sister
When my uncle Terry stepped into a room, his smile and laughter were contagious. Terry had impeccable style and would shake up the room with his presence. No matter your walk of life, uncle was sure to leave an indelible impression on you. Uncle Terry is truly missed and will be forever loved and appreciated.
Bobbie Merriweather, niece
Alpha Phi Alpha Service: Friday, January 14, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Read More
Live Stream Link: https://youtu.be/fxtBWAngIog
The world has lost one of its most generous and loving souls after a nearly three year struggle with cancer. Terry fought his battle fiercely until the very end and never lost hope. Surrounded by his loving friends and family, he took his last breath and peacefully left his broken body on New Year’s Eve 2021. Terry will be remembered as “Mr. Memphis”, “Wedding Crasher”, the life of any party, and affectionately as “Skillet” to his Hamilton High School friends and classmates. A beautiful friend to so many, he loved life, living, and never missed an opportunity to share his wit and humor with his friends and everyone around him.
Terance grew up attending Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church on Elvis Presley Boulevard. He studied voice and piano at an early age. He loved singing and dancing! He was a member of the Riverview Jazz Band. While attending Hamilton High School (1976 graduate), he was very active, in the role of reporter as a senior class officer, in the Ambassadors (social club), Senior Glee Club, National Honor Society, and the Waterford Theatrical Guild. He was voted as one of the two “Most School Spirited”. He attended college at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN and also at that time, Memphis State University now known as the University of Memphis. During these years, Terance participated in several entertainment venues such as Libertyland, #1 Beale Restaurant & The Cabaret. One in which he was particularly proud to be a part of was “Whole Lotta Shakin!”, a collaboration between Mud Island & Memphis State University that celebrated the spirit of Memphis music.
Another proud time in his life was when he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Eta (KH) Chapter as a young Memphis State University student. He proved to be a staunch supporter and frequent contributor to local community programs. Brother Carnes remained committed to its tenets for nearly 45 years. According to one of his Alpha brothers, “he was more than a member.”
Terry worked for much of his career in the hospitality business as a server, bartender, host, caterer, and hotel concierge until his life took a new turn. At the age of 50, he became a student once again at the University of Memphis and graduated with an education degree in 2015 of which he was most proud! The next year, Terry began his new career as a preschool teacher. He loved the children and brought to the school system the same infectiously joyful personality he offered to his downtown friends, high school classmates, and family. Mr. Carnes was the guide and mentor for many future generations of Memphians. His talents were so appreciated by his pupils, parents, and other faculty.
Known by many and loved by all, Terry and his soul will always be in our hearts. There are few people who can be called everyone’s friend, and Terry was one. He will be missed by everyone, and especially by his partner, Andrew Williams, who took excellent care of him, his sister, Trinda, his extended family and by his closest friends.
Tributes from the family
My brother was a free-spirit with a beautiful heart. Growing up, even though I was the eldest, He was my protector. He would challenge people in my life that he felt didn't have my best interest at heart.
I was amazed at how he took on the world. He was a bright shining star whose light was extinguished too soon. I loved him with everything within me. I will miss him not being somewhere in this world every day.
Trinda Merriweather, sister
When my uncle Terry stepped into a room, his smile and laughter were contagious. Terry had impeccable style and would shake up the room with his presence. No matter your walk of life, uncle was sure to leave an indelible impression on you. Uncle Terry is truly missed and will be forever loved and appreciated.
Bobbie Merriweather, niece
Alpha Phi Alpha Service: Friday, January 14, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
14
Jan
4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Visitation
Saturday
15
Jan
11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
Saturday
15
Jan
12:30 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Cemetery Details
Location
New Park Cemetery
4536 Horn Lake Rd.
Memphis, TN 38109
Loading...