Melvin Terry

Melvin Terry, a man of adventure, outgoing personality, and congeniality, was born on January 12, 1946, and departed from this world on January 10, 2026. He lived his life with an unquenchable spirit of adventure and an admirable "live for today" attitude.

Among his survivors is his son, Hakim Sayyed-Terry, who treasures the many lessons his father shared, the one that stood out the most being, "Be Yo Self." This simple yet profound lesson encapsulates Melvin's approach to life and serves as a guiding principle for those who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the virtue of authenticity and the magic that unfolds when one embraces their true self.

Always one to find the silver lining, Melvin once shared a piece of wisdom that encapsulated his perspective on life, saying, “If it’s raining outside, get wet.” This optimistic view, taking life as it comes and finding joy in every moment, painted the picture of a man who truly lived his life to the fullest.

Melvin is preceded by his mother and father, Tempie McNeil Terry and Dewey Terry, brothers: Hansel Terry, Dewey S. Terry, Michael Terry, and his Beloved son, Taufiq Sayyed-Terry.

Melvin is survived by Hakim Sayyed-Terry, son; Yasmin Sayyed, Hakim's mother; his sister Betty Jean Moore and brother Norman Terry, Granddaughter Imani Sayyed, Great Granddaughter Aminah Sayyed, and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin served in the United States Army January 1967 - December 1968 during the Vietnam Era earning an HONORABLE discharge. Melvin was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 60, Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Bronze Star Medal. Due to his valor as a team leader contributing to the success of his unit in combat, Melvin's rank was changed to SGT Melvin Terry April 1968.

After Melvin's service in the United States Army, he continued his education studying throughout the University of California system earning a B.A. in Political Science from San Jose State University. He later went on to earn a Masters in Public Administration at Harvard University, and Ph.D course work in Political Science at Brown University.

Melvin’s thirst for traveling took him many places around the World. Melvin returned to Vietnam several times, visited Bangkok Thailand, South Africa, and his Beloved Brasil. While he visited many other countries around the World, his last travel was with his loving niece, Lisa Terry, to Cabo San Lucas. 

Melvin enjoyed writing and left many handwritten stories of his lifetime experiences.  He captured numerous photographs throughout his Beloved San Francisco. Melvin spent many years at 6th On 7th Gallery honing his creativity for photography. He had an eye for the beauty below his apartment capturing numerous photographs of buildings, people and scenes from his Davis Street apartment on The Embarcadero. His backyard was an open sky from the 17th floor with Nob Hill, Alcatraz, Sausalito, and the Bay Bridge visual in the distance. Below him, Pier 1, Pier 2, Pier 3 and the Marketplace in walking distance alongside the Pacific Ocean waters. What fun was had by all who visited or stayed a moment.

Melvin relocated to Sahuarita Arizona in 2023 for safety, care and love in his final days. The VA Primary Care team of professionals in San Francisco and Tucson provided exceptional resources, spanning nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and many other expertise. Caregivers from San Francisco and Tucson helped in Melvin's care and supported the family. We all shared in the joy of knowing such a positive spirit that was part of this World.  

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established to aid with funeral expenses, which can be found at the following web address: https://everloved.com/life-of/melvin-terry/donate/. Contributions of any amount will be greatly appreciated and serve as a testament to Melvin's impactful presence in our lives.

As we say goodbye to Melvin, we honor his adventurous spirit, his personable nature, and the lessons he taught us. May we remember to live each day as he did, with authenticity, adventure, and an outgoing spirit.

In Melvin's words, "Easy"