Son, Brother, Uncle, Father, Husband, Grandfather, Pastor, Overseer, Entrepreneur and Community Advocate
Pastor Robert L. Terrell, Jr., was born in 1967 in Greene County, Georgia, to Robert Sr. and Hazel Terrell. Raised in a family with six sisters and two brothers, Robert Jr. grew up in a household where faith in God and the importance of family were paramount. This solid foundation shaped his path as a servant leader and advocate for his community.
Robert Jr. shares his life with his wife, Toni Thomas Terrell, his son, Robert III (Trey) and his grandson, Robert IV (TJ).
Robert Jr. comes from a lineage rich in entrepreneurship and integrity. His grandfather, Elex Terrell, Sr., established a timber business in 1944, with a vision, hard work, and determination. Elex Sr. was a well-respected businessman in Greensboro and surrounding cities, including Madison. Robert Jr.’s father, affectionately known as R.L., continued to build on this legacy, expanding the business with his sons—Robert Jr., Anthony, and Roger. As the timber market evolved, Robert Jr. adapted by acquiring new equipment and growing the business. Under his leadership, the family’s timber business flourished, resulting in the formation of Terrell Transport, Incorporated, and TEI Monticello Woodyard, which today employs 12 full-time workers and operates a fleet of seven log trucks and more than a dozen pieces of heavy equipment. His influence also extends to shaping logging policies, serving on industry committees, and advocating for fair practices at the local, state, and national levels. He drafted the first set of logging ordinances to provide guidelines for logging companies operating in Madison and Morgan County. He also was chosen by the former city Manager of the City of Madison along with the Georgia Forestry Commission to write a Tree Protection Ordinance. On a state level, he served on the Georgia Forestry Association board and the chair of the Georgia Master Timber Harvesters Training and Education Committee. On a national level, Robert Jr. has served as a panelist and advocate speaker for American Pulpwood Association, Society of American Foresters, American Forestry Association, and a Lobbyist in Washington DC for the Georgia Pacific Corporation.
In addition to his success in the timber industry, Robert Jr. pursued opportunities in land development and real estate. His passion for providing affordable housing led him to develop four subdivisions and expand his reach within the community. He has encouraged and mentored many in the real estate sector.
Robert’s commitment to community service is reflected in his extensive involvement with various boards and committees, such as the Minority Business Advisory Council, Habitat for Humanity, the Industrial Development Authority, the Community Foundation for the Morgan Fund, and as board chairperson of the Madison-Morgan Community Food Pantry. He is also one of the three founding members of the Madison-Morgan County Boys and Girls Club. Through these diverse platforms, Robert Jr. has gained valuable insight into the needs of the community, allowing him to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Beyond his business and civic achievements, Pastor Robert Terrell, Jr., at 55 years old has dedicated more than half of his life to serving others through Ministry. Affectionately known as “Pastor T,” he began his public ministry at the age of 27 years old. In 1994, he was ordained into the Deacon Ministry under the guidance of his Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Hoke L. Smith, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of the Calvary Baptist Church of Madison, Georgia. Just two years later, at 29 he became the youngest Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry in the Church’s history. Although he did not fully understand his calling at the time, Pastor T was always drawn to evangelism and street ministry. He served for many years as an armor bearer for his pastor, often driving him to visitations, hospitals, and to pray and offer communion to the sick and shut ins. He also often accompanied deacons and preachers from area churches to witness on the streets of Madison and Athens.
In 2003, Pastor T received his call to preach the Gospel with the heart of a shepherd. Three years later, at the age of 35 years old, he became the Senior Pastor of Union Springs Baptist Church in Rutledge, Georgia, becoming one of the youngest senior pastors to serve the Morgan County area. From that day to this day, he has dedicated his life to serving others, sharing the love of Jesus Christ, and offering the gift of salvation to all who seek it. Over the years, his ministry has resulted in over 800 decisions for Christ and has impacted countless lives across eight counties. His life serves as a powerful example, inspiring those he touches to embody a servant’s heart. As Pastor T often says, “Lord, let me be the voice, and you be the Word.”
The Lord has used Pastor T to lead Union Springs Baptist Church through a remarkable period of growth and transformation. Although many church members expressed a desire to build a new sanctuary, Pastor T was steadfast in waiting for the Holy Spirit’s confirmation before moving forward. He consistently reminded the congregation that God would allow them to build only when they were faithful in serving and ministering in their current
sanctuary. When the time was right, God revealed the strategies for growth through Pastor T’s gifts of administration and finance, and the church stepped out in faith.
During a challenging economic recession, when there were few building projects and little encouragement, Union Springs took on the task of constructing a new sanctuary. Through God’s miraculous provision, every resource was supplied, and the church was able to complete the project without placing any burden on its members. As Union Springs continues to grow and thrive, Pastor T leads by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, teaching that true leadership in the Kingdom of God means listening to the voice of God and serving as directed by the Holy Spirit.
Pastor T’s leadership extends beyond the church as well. He has been a dedicated member of the Morgan County Ministers Union under the guidance of Pastor Emeritus W. J. Reid. The Ministers Union, supported by donations from various churches offering in Morgan County, aids those in need. Through his involvement, Pastor T has been able to minister to countless individuals and families in their most trying times.
During Covid, God spoke to the heart of Pastor T to distribute food boxes to the community due to a surplus in their budget. What was intended to be a one-time opportunity for free food boxes to the community quickly grew into a community-wide outreach when the overwhelming response caused a shutdown in the flow of downtown traffic. Since day one, Pastor T, has dedicated his Saturdays to this ministry offering prayer and encouragement to so many people, that look for him weekly to share their joys, sorrows and struggles. This Saturday food distribution has become a testament to the power of serving others. Reflecting the diversity of the community, it welcomes individuals from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of unity and care.
Proverbs 22:1 state, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Pastor T exemplifies this verse by striving to maintain a good name that brings glory to God. When people hear his name, they associate it with kindness, integrity, and faithful service—qualities that reflect the heart of Jesus. It is this reputation that opens doors and brings favor, allowing the Word of God to manifest in his life and ministry.
Each day, with the Lord’s guidance, Pastor T embraces the responsibility of ministering to the hearts of those he meets. He lives intentionally, driven by an unwavering desire to please God above all else. Pastor Terrell’s life and work reflect a profound dedication to God and community, consistently striving to uplift and empower those around him. His prayerful leadership and vision continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of many.
