Funeral services for First Sergeant (1SG) (Retired) Terry Sylvester Brailey, 71, of Killeen, TX will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be two hours prior to the service (9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.) at the funeral home.

Mr. Brailey pass away February 23, 2024, in Killeen, TX.

First Sergeant (1SG) (Retired) Terry Sylvester Brailey peacefully transitioned from this life in his sleep on February 23, 2024. Terry was born in Orangeburg County, SC, on July 18, 1952, to his late father, Mr. John Henry Brailey, and his late mother, Mrs. Emma Lou (Evans) Brailey. He professed his faith in Christ at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Nesses, SC. Terry graduated from North High School on May 29, 1972.

Terry enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era in the summer of 1972, proudly serving 23 years and retiring as a Master Sergeant (MSG) (E-8) at Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos) in the summer of 1995. Some of his armed forces accolades include: a Meritorious Service Medal while assigned as Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant of Delta Company, a Meritorious Service Medal while serving as a primary instructor for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and acting Battalion Sergeant Major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA., and an Army Commendation Medal as an Instructor of the Basic Non-Commissioned Offer Course/Combat Arms for the United States Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Campbell, KY. His devotion to duty earned the respect and admiration of those he served alongside. Terry was a highly decorated soldier during his military service and a proud Army veteran. He established and sustained lifelong friendships with many of his comrades.

After his military service ended on February 12, 1996, Terry worked as a press operator at Wilsonart International for 12 years in Temple, TX, until his retirement on December 12, 2008. He maintained his friendships with his Wilsonart colleagues throughout the years.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers: Luther (L.C.) C. Brailey, Henry (Mary C.) L. Brailey, Clarence Brailey Sr., Melvin Brailey, Calvin Brailey, John (Ernestine) R. Brailey; and one godbrother, James "Buster" Johnson. He is survived by his three sisters, Yvonne B. Brailey, Noetta (Larry) Ford, and Madeline B. Stevenson.

Terry leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of forty-seven years, Deborah (Debbie) Brailey; daughter, Terri (Tito) Register; and two grandchildren, Tyrin and Tiyana Register. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Terry was fondly nicknamed "Old School" and positively impacted numerous individuals through his genuine kindness, sharp humor, and wise insights. For the past five years, he was actively involved at the local American Legion 573 in Harker Heights, TX, where he shared his love of music and was called "DJ Terry." Terry's presence was cherished by all who knew him, whether he was spinning Blues to Country tunes on the jukebox at the American Legion 573, spending time with his fellow veterans, or sharing a laugh with his loved ones.

Terry's exceptional character and unwavering commitment to honesty and generosity made him a genuinely unforgettable individual. Though his strong exterior was matched only by his empathetic nature, his legacy will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched.