Obituary of Isaac Terrell Mann

Isaac Terrell Mann Jr., age 82, died on June 29th, 2017 surrounded by his family. Mr. Mann was born on July 7th, 1934, in Randolph County to the late Isaac and Gaynelle Mann and was married to the late Linda Clark Mann for 55 years. Terrell served in the armed forces from 1953-1955. Mann's Body shop was established in 1967 which later became Mann and Son Body Shop. The shop was run by himself, his wife Linda and their son Darin Mann, until it closed in 2010. Through that business and Terrell's strong belief in volunteerism, many knew him in the community. He donated blood regularly to the Red Cross. Terrell helped established and was a volunteer for the South Orange Rescue Squad. And the past several years he enjoyed putting bikes together for the Orange County Christmas Drive. Mr. Mann was also a skilled woodworker and used that talent to make gifts for his family. The dining room tables, and children's beds he made were more than furniture; they were symbols of his deep love for family life. His woodworking shop doubled as a place his grandchildren would come to paint, play and be close to him. Upon hearing of his passing, hundreds of written messages were posted to the family. Each one expressing sorrow and also celebration for a man many considered being like a brother, or father figure to them. One family friend wrote, "Your parents always made people around them feel comfortable. I used to seek them out at jumping events (jump roping events his grandchildren attended) because I knew it'd be fun to sit near them" Another person shared, "If the world had more people like Mr. Mann…well, I think they'd call that a heavenly place to live." Many expressed the sentiment that to be in Terrell Mann's presence was to be loved. That he embodied and exuded it, not just for a select few but for all people he encountered. And more simply put by others, that "Mr. Mann was just flat out special." Aside from his comforting and easygoing style, Terrell was also known for his sense of humor; it was dry, lighting quick and immediately endeared you to him. His humor was so much so, that you could be left silent for several seconds trying to catch pace with his wit but once you did, it was shared laughs for all. Terrell spent his time here on Earth making sure to leave his family and friends enough love and great memories to sustain them until they can all be together again. He is survived by his daughter Diane Mann Crater, her husband Shannon Crater, his sons Darin Mann and his wife Sherry Mann; Ray Mann and his wife Madelyn; 6 grandchildren Jordan Crater Gibney, her spouse, Ryan Gibney, Lindsay Crater, Morgan Mann and Emma Mann, Shelley Mann and Zack Mann. His two great grandchildren also survive him, Aiden and Connor Gibney, all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, his brother Larry Mann preceded Mr. Mann in death. The memorial service will be on Saturday at 11:00AM at Carrboro United Methodist Church. The family will be receiving guests immediately following the ceremony in the reception hall of the church. Online condolences may be sent to the Mann family by visiting www.walkersfuneralservice.com Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve the Mann family.