Worth Terry Laney

Worth “Terry” Laney, 74, of Davidson, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 9, 2025.

Terry was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 5, 1951, to the late Worth and Dorothy Laney (née Wilhelm). He was the youngest child and the first in his family to attend college. He studied sociology and religious studies at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, from 1970 to 1974 and played football for the Wofford Terriers. He maintained lifetime friendships with his teammates, especially Tom Bower. He also met the love of his life, Mary Converse Cutting (M.C.), while she attended nearby Converse College. They met on a blind date at the Capri Lounge while the Marshall Tucker Band played.

After graduation, he and M.C. married and taught at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. He would often play football with the kids on Fridays after a good week in class. In 1981, he began a nearly two-decade operations career with Pizza Hut, whereupon he also served on the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon Committee and was an early adopter of the Book It! Program in 1984. In 2000, with a renewed sense of purpose, he began working with Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, making nearly 30 Global Village trips to Guatemala over the next 18 years. He stood up against injustice and inequity and had a genuine passion for public service and providing affordable housing for all. Empathy and compassion built his wide, open heart. He loved people and wanted to do right by them.

Terry will be remembered not only for his fierce love of family but also for his enthusiasm for their continued success and accomplishments. He excelled as a husband, father, and grandfather. He was the best coach, loudest cheerleader, and proudest ally, encouraging and inspiring everyone who had the opportunity to know him. He was a hero walking among us, setting the bar high for how to navigate the world and care authentically for the people in it.

Terry loved using his Donald Duck impression to make tiny humans laugh. He held a soft spot for every good dog. His warm and generous spirit touched us all. He knew how to tell a really good story, letting his quick wit and laughter fill every room. He was a lefty and would never let you forget it. As a lifelong learner and avid reader, he remained curious about the world, other cultures, and people. His love of music made everyone sing along with him. He took his health seriously and ran 5 wonderfully obnoxious miles every day, even on vacation, before most people had their morning coffee. He was often the first to the beach and the first to spot dolphins or manatees swimming offshore. Terry also loved college football, especially The University of Alabama, his granddaughter MacKenzie’s alma mater.

After Terry’s stroke in November 2024 (related to undiagnosed AFib), he received wonderful care from the Novant Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Next, his exceptional team at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation NE in Concord worked tirelessly with him for three and a half months, cheering him on and enabling him to come home, where he wanted to be. AFib strokes are often big events. Everything that needed to go right for Terry in the beginning did. Every little victory along the way counted. Ultimately, he was surrounded by family and friends as he continued his recovery at home with the aid of his supportive team of therapists from Atrium Home Health.

Along with his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Melanie Caitlyn Cawthon, and his sister, Deloris Dean Glasscock. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 51 years, Mary Converse (née Cutting); children: Meredith (David) and Peter; grandchildren: MacKenzie (Justin) and Alex; and his sweet dog, Rosie.

Terry did not want a funeral, but he would want you to do good in the world in any way you can. Be more, do more, and show up for people when they need you.

He left it all on the field. Roll Tide.

Memorial donations may be made to Guatemala, Habitat for Humanity by completing the form and clicking the box: Designate Your Donation - to a specific country or region of the world - Guatemala.

The Laney family is under the care of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.KepnerFH.com.