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Terrence J. "Terry" Ahearn

Terrence J. "Terry" Ahearn obituary, Charleston, SC

Terrence Ahearn Obituary

Terrence "Terry" J. Ahearn SUMMERVILLE - Terrence "Terry" J. Ahearn, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on March 25, 2017 after more than a two-and-half year battle. He leaves his beloved wife Carroll (Summerville, S.C.), his daughter, Lauren Marie Sullivan (Katy, Texas), two sons, Timothy Michael Ahearn (Columbia, S.C.), and Tristan Ahearn (Isle of Palms, S.C.), as well as, his three beautiful grandchildren, Madison Patricia Greenstreet, Quinn McGrail Sullivan, and John Mcquire Sullivan. He is also survived by his two loving stepdaughters, Jill St. John (Denver, CO), and Jodi St. John (Houston, Texas). A native of Worcester, Massachusetts, Terry earned a B.A. from The Citadel in 1963 and was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force where he served for six years as a navigator, and flew 143 combat missions over Viet Nam. Subsequently, he earned a J.D. from Boston College School of Law where he was a member of the law review. He then joined Humble Oil & Refining (later Exxon Corporation) in Texas, serving in various high-level positions during a career that spanned thirty years. One of the highlights of his career was the seven years he was stationed in Hong Kong, where he served as General Counsel of Exxon Chemical Asia Pacific during the late '70's and early '80's. He became president of the American Club and led the effort to build beautiful new club facilities. He returned to the states in 1989, where he spent two years in Darien, Connecticut before returning to Houston for the fourth and final time where he participated in most of the major mergers and acquisitions done by Exxon Chemical during the 1990's. He retired in 2002 and returned to South Carolina - home of his beloved Citadel -where he and Carroll made a home for themselves on Seabrook Island. They developed many dear friendships and for almost twelve years Terry continually served on committees, boards or Town Council. This included serving on the Board of Directors of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, as vice president and president; serving as Town Council member and later as Mayor of the Town of Seabrook Island (2013-2015). He was well loved and respected by all who knew him and will be remembered for his bright smile, positive attitude, and his love of people. A special thanks to our angel nurse, Pam Larson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, 29409 and/or Roper Hospice. Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 8th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Johns Island, S.C. at 11:00 a.m. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Paul V. Brown

March 27, 2025

We miss you! We stay in touch with Carroll. We are so glad you were in our lives.

Karen Burgess

May 1, 2017

I just thought about Terry the other day. He was the one who interviewed and hired me for Exxon Chemical many years ago. I enjoyed working with him and his great sense of humor and sincere compassion for others. I wish you all comfort in the days and years ahead.

Fred Frost

April 28, 2017

Carroll,

There aren't many of us left here at ExxonMobil from those days - I was in fact new with the Company when Terry and I worked so closely together. He was a superb, patient, and generous mentor and colleague. I have only fond memories of working alongside him.

With condolences in your loss,

Fred Frost

Sue Marsh

April 12, 2017

I pray for comfort for this very precious family! Terry lived "large" and will be greatly missed by all of us! I feel like part of the family since I was present when Terry and Carroll met each other. What a great example he was for all their children and grandchildren! May he Rest in Peace as he watches over Carroll from here on...
Love you all,
Sue Marsh

John & Charlotte Hawley

April 5, 2017

Carroll - Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Bill and Nancy Blowey

April 5, 2017

Carroll and family,
Although our hearts are heavy, may we all find peace knowing that Terry is now in the loving hands of Our Almighty Father. He is without pain and will always be smiling down on his family and friends. Terry was a dear neighbor and a very genuine person and we will miss his smile around the neighborhood very much.

Love,
Bill and Nancy Blowey

Perry Kay Brown

April 4, 2017

We will miss Terry, a wonderful husband,father and friend!

Chris & Marian Hoffman

April 3, 2017

We are so sorry to learn of Terry's passing. He was a great friend and a true Citadel man in the best way. He loved The Citadel and supported The Citadel in many ways. The world is little poorer with his passing but the heaven has gotten a great man. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Warren Needels

April 3, 2017

Sorry to hear of Terry's passing. We worked together many years both in Hong Kong and Houston. I'll remember Terry as a good friend, good lawyer and a good teller of jokes (particularly Irish ones),

Tolbert

April 3, 2017

Sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this most difficult time.

Louise Stickney

April 3, 2017

I worked for Terry for several years and considered him to be a good friend. He was a true gentleman. I am sorry to hear that he died.

Jennifer Austin

April 2, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that Terry passed away. It was a blessing and pleasure working for him in the Law Department at Exxon Chemical Company, Houston. Prayers, comfort, and condolences to the family.

Carroll French

April 2, 2017

Although our hearts are breaking, we are celebrating that our dear friend, Terry, has earned his Angel wings!! We are thankful that he is free from all earthly pain, fears, and worries!! Terry was a true gentleman. He was kind, gentle, humble, loving and so much fun to be around. We are so blessed to call him our dear friend and so thankful that God placed him in Carroll's life. Their love for each other was so apparent as was his love for life!! We will forever cherish the great times we spent together and think of him each time we play Polish poker (which he taught us). May God grant comfort and peace to Carroll, family and all those who loved Terry. Until we meet again.
Love,
Carroll and Karl French

Somesh Rao

April 2, 2017

Terry was such a wonderful man. We had the pleasure of his company on a trip to Africa. His humor and his joie de vivre was one of the reasons why we enjoyed this trip. Our sympathies to Carroll and the family for their loss.
May God bless Carroll and family during this time of sorrow.

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