Terrell Wayne Ewing Jr.
A Life of Faith, Family, and Unshakable Courage
A Life of Faith, Family, and Unshakable Courage
Terrell Wayne Ewing Jr. was born on July 2, 1960, in the coastal city of San Diego, California, to Terrell Wayne Ewing Sr. and Dorothy Elizabeth McColley. He was the second of five siblings and quickly became a cherished member of a close-knit family. His childhood was shaped by the sun-soaked landscapes of Southern California and the energetic rhythms of a loving home. Raised in Whittier, California, Terrell’s formative years were marked by his love for sports, a quick and radiant smile, and a warm, compassionate nature that would define his life.
California gave Terrell more than just a place to grow—it gave him his first true love: baseball. From Little League to high school teams, he was rarely seen without his glove in hand. He played with heart, skill, and leadership that inspired his teammates. His natural talent and deep dedication earned him recognition as a standout athlete, and more importantly, cultivated within him a love for discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
A Journey of Faith
As a teenager, Terrell moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he graduated from MacArthur High School. Texas, with its wide skies and even wider opportunities, became the setting for a defining chapter in Terrell’s life—his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Only eighteen months after being baptized, Terrell answered the call to serve a full-time mission. He was assigned to the Osorno Chile Mission, a land thousands of miles away but one that would forever be etched in his heart. There, amidst the Chilean rain and the humble homes of the southern Andes, he grew in spirit and purpose. His fluency in Spanish came quickly, but it was his fluency in compassion and faith that resonated most with the people he served. His mission not only strengthened his testimony—it ignited a life of service.
A Scholar and a Seeker
Upon returning from Chile, Terrell enrolled at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, where he earned an associate degree. His academic journey continued at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. Terrell loved learning, especially about the history and ideals of his country. He found joy in ideas, in understanding the fabric of American life, and in connecting that understanding to the values he held dear.
Throughout his schooling, Terrell continued to play baseball and to share his passion for the game with others. Friends recall that even after long study sessions or church meetings, he would still find time to play catch or coach a younger player. Baseball remained for him not only a sport, but a metaphor for life—its challenges, its team spirit, and its moments of triumph.
Love Eternal
In Utah, Terrell found the greatest blessing of his life: Shauna Poulos. Their love story began like a quiet melody and quickly grew into a song of harmony and strength. They were married for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple on June 25, 1987—a covenant they both honored and cherished every day of their lives together.
Over the next two decades, Terrell and Shauna built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children: Melissa and Steven. Terrell relished his role as a father. He read bedtime stories, coached baseball games, helped with homework, and never let a day pass without reminding them how deeply they were loved.
Church Service and Character
Terrell's faith was not passive—it was living and active. He served in many ward and stake callings, from teacher to counselor to quorum leader. He loved to teach the gospel and bore testimony with sincerity and conviction. His ability to connect with people, especially youth and investigators, made him a beloved leader.
He was known for his big hugs, gentle encouragement, and unwavering optimism. Friends, neighbors, and strangers alike found comfort in his presence. He gave freely of his time, whether it was helping someone move, sharing spiritual counsel, or listening with empathy. Terrell’s love was not loud or boastful—it was steadfast, constant, and unconditional.
A Courageous Battle
In the years that followed, Terrell faced a daunting challenge--Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that slowly affects movement, cognition, and behavior. But even as the disease took its toll on his body, it could not take away his spirit.
Terrell fought with courage, grace, and faith. He maintained his sense of humor, his kindness, and his concern for others. His eyes still sparkled when his children walked in the room. His hand still reached for Shauna’s. And his faith never wavered.
Through it all, Shauna stood by his side, a tower of love and strength. Their children became caretakers, cheerleaders, and sources of immense pride. Though the disease was cruel, it revealed the true measure of Terrell’s character: his resilience, his gratitude, and his unyielding hope.
Legacy of Love
On March 22, 2007, Terrell passed away in Orem, Utah at the age of 46. His was a life too short—but filled with purpose and love. He left behind a family that adored him: his eternal companion, Shauna; his precious children, Melissa and Steven; his mother, Dorothy; his siblings—David, Rory, Vincent, and Velina—and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and friends who were deeply touched by his life.
He is remembered not only for what he accomplished but for who he was—a devoted father, a faithful disciple, a beloved husband, a true friend.
In Our Hearts Forever
We all loved him dearly. Terrell Wayne Ewing Jr. was our hero—not because he was perfect, but because he was genuine, brave, and full of heart. His laugh lingers in our memories. His hugs are still felt. His example endures in the way we choose to live our lives—with faith, with love, and with open arms.
Terrell's story is not just about a man who faced adversity—it is about a man who triumphed, again and again, through kindness, faith, and the power of eternal love.
California gave Terrell more than just a place to grow—it gave him his first true love: baseball. From Little League to high school teams, he was rarely seen without his glove in hand. He played with heart, skill, and leadership that inspired his teammates. His natural talent and deep dedication earned him recognition as a standout athlete, and more importantly, cultivated within him a love for discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
A Journey of Faith
As a teenager, Terrell moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he graduated from MacArthur High School. Texas, with its wide skies and even wider opportunities, became the setting for a defining chapter in Terrell’s life—his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Only eighteen months after being baptized, Terrell answered the call to serve a full-time mission. He was assigned to the Osorno Chile Mission, a land thousands of miles away but one that would forever be etched in his heart. There, amidst the Chilean rain and the humble homes of the southern Andes, he grew in spirit and purpose. His fluency in Spanish came quickly, but it was his fluency in compassion and faith that resonated most with the people he served. His mission not only strengthened his testimony—it ignited a life of service.
A Scholar and a Seeker
Upon returning from Chile, Terrell enrolled at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, where he earned an associate degree. His academic journey continued at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. Terrell loved learning, especially about the history and ideals of his country. He found joy in ideas, in understanding the fabric of American life, and in connecting that understanding to the values he held dear.
Throughout his schooling, Terrell continued to play baseball and to share his passion for the game with others. Friends recall that even after long study sessions or church meetings, he would still find time to play catch or coach a younger player. Baseball remained for him not only a sport, but a metaphor for life—its challenges, its team spirit, and its moments of triumph.
Love Eternal
In Utah, Terrell found the greatest blessing of his life: Shauna Poulos. Their love story began like a quiet melody and quickly grew into a song of harmony and strength. They were married for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple on June 25, 1987—a covenant they both honored and cherished every day of their lives together.
Over the next two decades, Terrell and Shauna built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children: Melissa and Steven. Terrell relished his role as a father. He read bedtime stories, coached baseball games, helped with homework, and never let a day pass without reminding them how deeply they were loved.
Church Service and Character
Terrell's faith was not passive—it was living and active. He served in many ward and stake callings, from teacher to counselor to quorum leader. He loved to teach the gospel and bore testimony with sincerity and conviction. His ability to connect with people, especially youth and investigators, made him a beloved leader.
He was known for his big hugs, gentle encouragement, and unwavering optimism. Friends, neighbors, and strangers alike found comfort in his presence. He gave freely of his time, whether it was helping someone move, sharing spiritual counsel, or listening with empathy. Terrell’s love was not loud or boastful—it was steadfast, constant, and unconditional.
A Courageous Battle
In the years that followed, Terrell faced a daunting challenge--Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that slowly affects movement, cognition, and behavior. But even as the disease took its toll on his body, it could not take away his spirit.
Terrell fought with courage, grace, and faith. He maintained his sense of humor, his kindness, and his concern for others. His eyes still sparkled when his children walked in the room. His hand still reached for Shauna’s. And his faith never wavered.
Through it all, Shauna stood by his side, a tower of love and strength. Their children became caretakers, cheerleaders, and sources of immense pride. Though the disease was cruel, it revealed the true measure of Terrell’s character: his resilience, his gratitude, and his unyielding hope.
Legacy of Love
On March 22, 2007, Terrell passed away in Orem, Utah at the age of 46. His was a life too short—but filled with purpose and love. He left behind a family that adored him: his eternal companion, Shauna; his precious children, Melissa and Steven; his mother, Dorothy; his siblings—David, Rory, Vincent, and Velina—and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and friends who were deeply touched by his life.
He is remembered not only for what he accomplished but for who he was—a devoted father, a faithful disciple, a beloved husband, a true friend.
In Our Hearts Forever
We all loved him dearly. Terrell Wayne Ewing Jr. was our hero—not because he was perfect, but because he was genuine, brave, and full of heart. His laugh lingers in our memories. His hugs are still felt. His example endures in the way we choose to live our lives—with faith, with love, and with open arms.
Terrell's story is not just about a man who faced adversity—it is about a man who triumphed, again and again, through kindness, faith, and the power of eternal love.
