Terrance Russell Rock

On July 13, 2026 Terrance Russell "Terry" Rock passed away after a long and courageous battle with serious health challenges. He was born on July 28, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, and spent his early years there before eventually making his home in Abingdon, Virginia, where he spent the majority of his adult life.

Terry is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Barbara Rock; his son, Jamie Rock (Susan); his daughter, Brandy Rock (James); and his treasured grandchildren, Sage Rock and his fiancée, Stacy Doss, Britton Rock, and Celeste Rock, all of Abingdon, Virginia. He also leaves behind his beloved bulldogs, Pebbles and Buddy, who never failed to bring a smile to his face.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert R. Rock, Sr. and Dorothy Liller Rock; his sister, Diane Gamber; and two cherished members of his family, his niece, Jenna Lynn Rock, and his nephew, Ryan Anthony Rock. Terry also leaves behind his brother, Charles Rock (Linda); his sister, Barbara Rollins (Leo); his brothers, Greg Rock and Robert Rock Jr (Bev); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Terry began his career with General Motors in Maryland before relocating to Abingdon, Virginia.  Together, he and Barbara owned and operated two Chevron convenience stores for more than twenty years. Later, Terry turned his passion for jewelry and body piercing into a successful business, owning and operating Explosive Gold for another twenty years. Through his work, he became well known throughout the community, building friendships and connections with people from all walks of life.

Terry embraced life with a sense of adventure and enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, boating on the lake, traveling, and shopping; which his family often joked was one of his favorite things to do. Of all the places he visited, his heart always seemed to return to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, where he was happiest and made some of his favorite memories. He was a man who loved to stay busy, never met a stranger, and always did things his own way.

Perhaps Terry's greatest legacy was not found in the businesses he built or the hobbies he enjoyed, but in the remarkable strength and determination with which he faced life's greatest challenges. 

Over the years, Terry endured a devastating motorcycle accident, numerous health setbacks, surgeries, and medical procedures. Yet time and again, he found the strength to keep moving forward. During the final year of his life, he faced challenges that would have tested anyone's resolve. Through every setback, every hospital stay, every surgery, and every difficult day, Terry continued to fight with courage, resilience, and an unwavering will to live. 

Those who witnessed his journey will never forget the determination he showed. His perseverance inspired everyone who knew him and reflected the strength of who he was.

No one shared that journey more closely than his devoted wife, Barbara. During the last year of Terry's life, she rarely left his side. She spent countless days and nights in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, advocating for his care, encouraging him through every setback, celebrating each small victory, and carrying burdens few people ever see. Her unwavering love, strength, and devotion reflected a lifetime of commitment throughout their 48 years of marriage. Their family will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she made and the compassionate care she gave Terry until the very end. 

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Charles and Linda Rock, whose generosity, kindness, and unwavering support became a lifeline throughout Terry's medical journey. For months, they opened not only their home but also their hearts, providing Barbara with comfort, encouragement, and a place to stay while she remained close to Terry's care. Their love and selflessness will never be forgotten.

Special thanks are also extended to Angela Gamber, Kelly Hoff, Barbara Rollins, Wanda McDonald, Phyllis Scott, and Angela Osborne, whose love, encouragement, and support brought comfort during many difficult days.

The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to Amiethab Aiyer, MD, and William Norbury, MBBS, along with their dedicated staffs at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Terry was blessed to be cared for by two extraordinary physicians who gave far more than their medical expertise. They invested not only their knowledge but also their time, compassion, and hearts into his care, standing beside him and his family through every challenge. Their dedication brought hope and comfort during an incredibly difficult journey, and their kindness will never be forgotten. The family also extends their sincere appreciation to the compassionate team at Caris Healthcare for the exceptional care they provided to Terry and the comfort they offered to his family. Their kindness, compassion, and support during such a difficult time brought peace and reassurance when it was needed most, and they will always be remembered with gratitude.

Like every life, Terry's was a unique story filled with challenges, accomplishments, relationships, and experiences that shaped the man he became. Those who knew him will remember his determination, his independence, his sense of humor, his generosity, and the countless memories they shared with him throughout the years.

Though our hearts are heavy with his loss, we find comfort in knowing that his struggles have ended and that he is finally at peace. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, in the stories that will continue to be shared, and in the lives he touched throughout his 72 years.

At a later date, Terry's family will gather privately in Ocean City, Maryland, to celebrate his life and honor his memory in the place where he was happiest and that held a special place in his heart.

Those wishing to honor Terry's memory may do so through memorial donations to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center or by another act of kindness in his memory.