On 27th November, Memphis Artist and Architect community lost an incredible contributor, Terry Dewitt. Terry was a native Memphian and he married his high school sweetheart Mary, 61 years ago. They had 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Terry graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S in Architectural Technology in 1982. He was the President of AIA-TN in 1993 and 1999. He also was the President of Memphis-Germantown Art League (MGAL) from 2017-2018 and a long-term member of Artistslink and Tennessee Watercolor Society.

Terry published extensively in architectural magazines and conducted drawing workshops (2005-2018) for the University of Memphis students. Watercolor painting was an extension of his architecture training. He was a prolific painter and frequently participated in shows held by the MGAL, Artistslink, Gibson County Visual Arts Association, and Tennessee Watercolor Society. He won awards at these art shows as well as in Architectural Illustration shows. He conducted many solo shows including the ones at Playhouse-on-the square and Brooks Art Gallery.

Terry, despite his numerous accomplishments and accolades, was a simple and unassuming man. His greatest passion was community service. As a member of MGAL, he instituted an art award program for Memphis high school students. Every year, he judged the High School Art Competition at the Mid-South Fair and gave a cash award for the best artist on behalf of MGAL. He also was heavily involved in the art outreach programs for the residents of the Binghampton community. Terry was the first one to volunteer for any vacant position on the Board of MGAL. Most recently, he served as the Fund Raiser for MGAL. His disarming smile and amicable personality enabled his success in any task he set out to do. Needless to say, he was one of the best Fund Raisers for MGAL. We are all devastated by his passing and we hope and pray that God give strength to his family to face this enormous loss.

Terry DeWitt Tribute Gallery

Larry Hughes has created a tribute gallery for Terry DeWitt on the website, where you can upload photos and post your memories and comments at:

https://mgal.org/members/larry-hughes/mediapress/terry-dewitt-a-tribute/

There is also a comments section at the bottom of this page where you can leave your memories and condolences.

4 thoughts on “Terry Dewitt (1939-2020)”

  • Terry – you were such a steady and agreeable friend, helper to me as you came on as VP, and an extraordinarily gifted artist. I always looked forward to chatting with him at meetings and shows. I miss him greatly.

  • I didn’t know Terry, but I am always affected by the death of another artist; mourning not only the loss of life, but their creativity and knowledge.

  • I joined MGAL just a few years ago, thanks to a former co-worker, Jim Hardin, who was so encouraging and kind. So was Terry DeWitt. His warm smile, welcoming spirit and brilliant artistry, touched everyone. And after reading Dr. Gopal Murti’s remarkable tribute, I feel newly inspired to try and give back as much as Terry gave of himself – to his loved ones, his fine art, our organization and to many other organizations and efforts, as well. Our heart goes out to Terry’s dear family especially. As his good friend Larry Hughes, said, we will all miss him greatly.
    (Barbara & Charles Tigrett)

  • We are pleased to announce that Carpenter Art Gallery is holding a special event on Monday, May 9 in honor and remembrance of Terry DeWitt, former MGAL President, who served as a volunteer instructor at Carpenter.

    Go to https://carpenterartgarden.org/events to see the announcement.

Leave a Comment