Terry Lindsay Putman

Terry Lindsay Putman, Sr., also known as “Putt”, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at his home in Lenoir, North Carolina. Terry was born on May 15, 1955 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was one of two sons to Shirley J. Putman and the late James J. Putman.

He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School and attended Western Carolina University. Following his education, Terry began his law enforcement career with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, where he was first assigned to Gaston County in 1980. He later joined the Training Academy staff, where he mentored and trained countless recruits throughout his tenure. After his time with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Terry worked at the RBC Center (now known as the Lenovo Center), as the parking department head. He then returned to law enforcement working with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office as the training director, and countless other positions, later retiring as a Major in 2016.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Terry was an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America, a 2007 Silver Beaver recipient, and an Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor member of Occoneechee Lodge 104. He also went on local construction mission trips with his church, and was an extremely beloved PawPaw.

Terry is survived by his mother, Shirley Putman; son, Terry “Lindsay” Putman, II and wife Allison; grandson James Wray Putman - who loved doing projects with his Pawpaw and loved how fast his Pawpaw drove his car down the winding mountain road, “It was scary, but it was fun,” grandson Henry Tyree Putman - who loved spending time with PawPaw working on projects at his house in the mountains and at Ginger’s house and loved when his Pawpaw joked around and was silly; and granddaughter Lily Ann Putman - who loved being at her PawPaw’s house, he was her person. When he moved to the mountains, she made it her mission to check on him daily and make sure he was doing good. She didn’t go more than two days without texting her PawPaw.

In addition to his father, Terry was preceded in death by his brother Timothy J. Putman.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, November 10, 2025 at 3:00pm at Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Road, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family will receive friends following the service until 5:30pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution by check made payable to the non-profit organization “Parents for Troop 320, Inc.” a 501(c)(3), memo line: In honor of Terry Putman, Sr. to PO Box 1372, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 or to the NC Troopers Association Caisson Unit, P.O. Box 840, Summerfield, NC 27358.