Fueled with a fire for education, Terry was educated in the schools of Wilcox County Georgia where he played both trumpet and saxophone. Upon graduation, Terry attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia where he graduated "Cum Laude" in 1981. He held a bachelor's degree in Art Education and in 2012 received a M.A. in African American Studies from Clark Atlanta University. In addition, he taught fine art and journalism for 20 years in Palm Beach County, Florida. As a cultural arts advocate and community organizer, he founded the African American Cultural Arts Org. and became a cultural icon in the state of Florida throughout the 1980's and 1990's. Prior to his retirement he was a candidate for a Doctoral Degree in African American Studies. He also started the show, Black Fire Rising.

As an artist, education consultant, scholar, Terry has been awarded and acknowledged many times throughout his life for his advocating for blacks and the history cultural. He is the recipient of the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award and was also acknowledged by the late Congressman John Lewis for his work and efforts.

Terry was a member of the World African Diaspora Union (WADU). He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the National Education Associated Teacher's as well as Morris Brown College Alumni Focus Group. Until his death, Terry was active in educating the black community in Black and African American History and Culture.

Preceding him in death are his parents, (3) sisters: Geneva, Laura, Mary Ann; (5) brothers, William, Charles, Johnathan, John Wesly and Anthony; (3) nephews, Herschel, William Jr. and Bonzie Mumphrey.

Terry leaves to cherished memories with (3) brothers: Michael (Delphine), Herbert, both of Belle Glade, FL and Lonnie of Queens, NY; one son: Delvin T. Dobson (Elizabeth) of Pittsburg, PA; (2) grandsons; and a host of nieces, nephews, a special cousin Thedocia Hayes of Columbia, SC, and other relatives.