Terry Hahn

James Terry Hahn, 68, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at his home.

Terry was born December 5, 1954, in Stanly County, NC to the late John Calvin Hahn, Sr. and the late Betty Lou Morris Hahn. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Friday, September 1, 2023, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle at 522 N. 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 11:00 am at Prospect Baptist Church in Albemarle officiated by Rev. Stoney Benfield. Burial will follow at the Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery at 502 Prospect Church Road, Albemarle, NC.

Survivors include wife of 43 years, Sandra Earnhardt Hahn of the home; children, Kelly Hainline (Brett), David Hahn (Sara), Kayte Barbee (Drew); grandchildren, Dawson Barbee, Nico Andre, Vera Hahn, and Elena Hainline; and siblings, John Hahn, Jr. (Debbie), Karen Smith (Steve), Ken Hahn (Joan), and Amy Cord (John).

A retired US postal mail carrier in rural Stanly County for 36 years, Terry delivered much more to this world than the mail he brought to each of the families on his route. During his career, Terry was celebrated and honored for many years of perfect attendance, was a recipient of the expert driver certificate for exceptional safe driving performance for the entirety of his career, and a member of the million-mile club for wreck-less driving. A mentor to many, and the organizational envy of more, Terry was known for keeping a meticulous workspace with precise labeling and a route book that never had an outdated address. 

Terry handled each opportunity in life with a sense of perfection, attention to detail, and great patience. Whether on the mail route, cheering on his children, fellowshipping at church, or sharing his love of river-life, building relationships and creating new ones were always of great importance to him. Whenever a new skier on the Glastron would try and fail, Terry had the patience and persistence that they didn’t, and would convince them to get back up and try just one more time. As humble as he was patient, he would have never shown off his skills of slalom skiing or cutting the biggest “rooster tail” on the water until his student was graciously gliding and grinning, proud of their new skill. 

Family and friendships were priority when it came to lending a steady hand for painting or repairing, always ensuring he would measure twice… or twelve times… and then only cut once. Even through his battles with Alzheimer’s, Terry never forgot his roots and could often be found sorting through stacks of mail, playing with his grandkids, or enjoying homemade ice cream on the porch during family gatherings. In the midst of a disease that is known for claiming lives, we are certain that it can never claim memories, and the ones that we have of and with him are surely a treasure. Doing everything He did for the glory of God, we are standing firm in the promise of eternity for those who trust in and follow the Lord and Terry would wish that you too, would trust in and follow Him. 

Memorials may be made to Prospect Baptist Church, 502 Prospect Church Road, Albemarle, NC  28001 

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Hahn family.