Terry was born and raised in Oceanside after his family migrated from Louisiana, participating in the black migration and escaping from the Jim Crow South. He attended Laurel Elementary, Jefferson Jr. High, OHS and MiraCosta College. He graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.  He was a member of the OHS cross country and track teams and has been a lifelong member of Walker Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.  His stepfather, Charlie Will Norris, served in the Navy and Marines for a total of 22 years. His stepfather retired as a Montford Point Marine, a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.  After graduating from OHS, Terry worked at Alpha Beta and later joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #569.   Growing up in Oceanside was a challenge; recognizing the need for the voiceless to be heard and the unrepresented to have representation, he became that bridge between the marginalized neighborhoods and city hall. In November, 1992, he was elected to a city-wide council seat. He became the first African American elected to the Oceanside city council. In December, 2000, he became the first African American elected mayor for Oceanside and San Diego County.  As a single parent, he raised two sons: Phillip, who served 8 years in the Army, and Terry Jr., who served 4 years in the Air Force.

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