Terry Richard Hannah

Terry Hannah passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025 as a result of complications from a rare fatal condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin enzyme deficiency. He was 77 years old. Terry was born in Freeport, Illinois, and graduated from Freeport High School, Iowa State University, and George Washington University. He worked for the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration, and retired at age 49 and then consulted for both businesses and government. Terry and his family lived in Chantilly, Virginia, and in Florida in St. Augustine, The Villages, Jacksonville and Ocala and then Pflugerville, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Johanna Hannah, and son, Joey Hannah. His parents preceded him in death; Doris M. and Richard D. Hannah, and a sister, Linda K. Mitchell. His sister died from the same inherited blood enzyme deficiency. Terry volunteered for research programs and human trials of new drugs and treatments at UF Shands in Gainesville, Florida. He was grateful to Dr. Mark Brantly, and his research team of doctors and nurses as the reason he lived this long. Terry wanted to acknowledge people outside of the family who helped him tremendously in life and work; John J. DuFrane, Adm R. D. Johnson, Robert M. Valone, and Gail (Kris) Kristensen. John DuFrane and Adm Johnson were essential to success at Naval Air Systems Command. Later, at the Federal Aviation Administration, Gail Kristensen and Bob Valone were great colleagues and personal friends. On the personal side, Terry was extremely proud of his wife, Johanna, because she sacrificed her work and career and raised their son, Joey, who turned into an amazing man with integrity, values and character. Johanna also lost years of planned travel and social life because she shielded him from COVID and diseases and stayed with him during his final years. Terry and Johanna usually volunteered together as a team and supported church and community activities. Terry was into many activities as a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout leader, home owner’s association board member, photographer, Sumter County Special Olympics, kayaker, golfer, pickleball player, and publisher, to mention a few. Terry felt the three most important lessons that he learned during his lifetime are; (1) tell your family and friends how much they mean to you and that you value and love them, and do it frequently, (2) find a way to put your job, career and ego in check, so that God, family, and friends are first, and (3) laugh at yourself when you do stupid things and learn from your mistakes. In the long run, the relationships with God, family, and friends are all you have that really matter in life. Terry also admitted that he learned these life lessons too late in life to fully apply them, but it may not be too late for you.

Terry Richard Hannah

February 10, 1948 - May 26, 2025