In loving memory of
John David Terwilliger

• November 20, 1948
• -
• December 21, 2024

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John David Terwilliger, age 76, passed away on December 21, 2024, in Winter Park, Florida.
John is lovingly remembered by his sister, Judith Terwilliger Mayes of Sunnyvale, California, his nephew James Mayes and his wife Grace and their two sons Denver and Parker of Commerce City, CO; his brother, George Terwilliger of Fernandina Beach, Florida; his step-children, Betsy Gardner, Chris Gardner, Michelle Gardner of Winter Park, Florida and his cherished grandchildren — Haden Eckbert of Tucson, Arizona, Bebe Gardner of Winter Park, Florida, Lucy Eckbert of Columbia, South Carolina, and Courtney Gardner of Winter Park, Florida.

Born on November 20, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John was the son of George Banister Terwilliger II and Elizabeth Brotherton Terwilliger. He graduated from Butler University in 1971 with a degree in Business Management, a foundation that guided him through a distinguished career in government administration.

In the early 1990s, John relocated to Orlando to serve in leadership within Orange County’s administration, a role he held with dedication until his retirement in 2015.

In 2005, John met the love of his life, the late Lydia Gardner and they married in 2011. John was Lydia’s rock during her battle with cancer. Together, they poured their hearts into their grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “Grandpa T.”

John was deeply committed to his community. A devoted multi-gallon blood donor and supporter of the Russell House, he exemplified the spirit of service. His love for golf and his enduring passion for Butler University basketball brought him joy throughout his life.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM on January 24 at Cru Quarters at the Mayflower Retirement Community- 1620 Mayflower Court, Winter Park, Florida 32792