Terrence "Terry" Edward Nelson was born February 8, 1950, in Joliet, Illinois, to Carl and Rita (Cleary) Nelson. He graduated as valedictorian of his class at Providence Catholic High School, then earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

Terry worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager for Chevron Overseas Petroleum, GATX, and Saudi Aramco over the course of his career.

He died June 13, 2022, at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, at age 72.

He is survived by his daughters, April Ross and Elena Ryan, and four grandchildren.