Born January 23, 1919 in Los Angeles, Frank W. Terry was one of three children of Woodford and Jessie L. Terry. His father, a general building contractor, constructed numerous buildings and houses including the original Angeles Funeral Home on East Jefferson Boulevard, Trinity Baptist Church and showcase houses designed by influential Black architect Paul R. Williams.
His mother, a political activist who hosted “kitchen cabinets” with a who’s who of the Black political elite, was appointed the first Black member of the Los Angeles Housing Commission.
Frank inherited her political passion. He coordinated a recall campaign that paved the way for former Mayor Tom Bradley’s successful run for the Los Angeles City Council in 1963. During that race, Frank provided strategic input for Bradley and remained a close associate through the years. Mayor Bradley appointed him to the Los Angeles Library Commission. Frank served four terms, including twice as president of that board.
Raised in First A.M.E. Church, Frank’s parents instilled in him a drive to fight for racial justice and a commitment to service. Growing up on the old “East Side,” he graduated from Jefferson High School and began working for his father. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941, he attained the rank of first lieutenant and served in the Burma-India-China Theater during World War II.
After his return home in 1945, he attended Los Angeles City Community College and embarked on a public relations career as the West Coast representative of a prominent Philadelphia firm and later headed his own company. His clients included NBC, RCA Victor, Capitol Records, the Las Vegas Moulin Rouge Hotel, and Hollywood Stars Baseball Club among other companies and individuals.
He joined the federal government in 1962 as a regional public affairs officer for the U. S. Department of Labor and subsequently joined the Department of Veteran Affairs in that same capacity and was Chairman of the Los Angeles Federal Executive Board before retiring in 1989.
He was also associated with or supported such organizations as the Jazz Heritage Foundation, YMCA, NAACP, Urban League and Crenshaw Neighbors.
He is survived by his widow Evelyn Terry; son Mike Terry born to ex-wife Anita; step-children Charles Love and Susan Jones; adopted children Pvt. Yugeswar Terry, Mohana Terry and Jagannath Terry; and step-daughter Olivia Fallaria. His first wife, Valdoris Terry preceded him in death.
Frank died at the age of 91 from natural causes on May 29. His funeral is June 5, at 2 p.m., at Angelus Funeral Home, 3875 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
