Terry D. EDWARDS, a native of Tampa, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 59 on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, Elton Edwards. He is survived by his mother, Janet Howard and brother, Kurt Edwards. He enjoyed fishing, boating, water skiing, golfing and plinking; was a NASCAR fan and “Go Gators”. Terry attended Chamberlain High School and was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, where completed Aviation Mechanics Training (A/P) and was assigned as an Air crewman(AD3) on a HC130 aircraft at Air Station Clearwater. Terry also participated in numerous Law Enforcement Interdictions, Search & Rescue operations, and Humanitarian missions, including the 1980 Cuban Exodus and the 1982 Haitian Migration. He was certified as a Firefighter/EMT but pursued his interest in building construction. He was a self-employed licensed building contractor (CBC) and construction superintendent for several builders until he was employed by Hillsborough County Building Services for 19 years. He worked as a building inspector and plans examiner, at both the Northwest satellite office and then, subsequently, out of County Center. Terry was responsible for the review of plans to insure compliance with the Florida Building Code, associated life safety codes and county ordinances. He rose to be promoted to Chief Plans Examiner, supervising a team of licensed professionals overseeing the plan review for both commercial and residential construction in Hillsborough County. He held a state license as a Building Code Administrator and served in that capacity in both an interim position as well as the ongoing acting Building Official when needed. He recently achieved the esteemed certification of being a Certified Floodplain Manager. Terry was a well-respected and poorly compensated professional in his field. His quiet demeanor and extensive knowledge was appreciated by all who worked with him. His years of public service to both the construction industry and residents of Hillsborough County will be his ongoing legacy to the community. Please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved son, brother, friend, and extraordinary man on Monday, May 16th from 3-6:00pm at the Tampa Cruis-a-Cade Club (2002 Cruis-a-Cade Plaza, N. Boulevard & Hillsborough River). Please bring your stories and photos of Terry to share at this celebration of his life. A graveside service, with full military honors, will take place at 10am, Wednesday, May 18th at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry's name to the American Diabetes Association. To express your condolences, pay tribute, or light a memorial candle please visit www.adams-jennings.com/813-237-3345