A local native, Ernest Ray Terrell never forgot his roots, his efforts as state budget director still present on the highways that crisscross DeKalb County. Terrell passed away May 2 at the age of 85,

“He always wanted to help DeKalb County,” recalled long-time state representative Frank Buck of his association with Terrell during his 36 years on the Hill in Nashville. “His efforts dramatically helped improve the road system in DeKalb County and that, in turn, helped with tourism with people coming down Highway 96 with their boats.”

Terrell, who lived in Hermitage at the time of his passing, served for many years as the director of the Tennessee Department of Planning and Development. It was that position, Buck said, that poised Terrell to assist in helping bring his home county into the 21st Century when it came to the road system.

“He helped push things forward,” Buck said, noting that while he pushed for improvements in the state legislature, it was Terrell who made them a reality. “I just think people need to know what an asset he was for this county and how his efforts helped improve DeKalb County as a whole.”

Graveside serves for family was held recently. DeKalb Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.