By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It was when he was pursuing his master's degree in business that Dr. Gail E. Terrell - then a professional chemist - decided he needed to start reading the Bible.

The more he read, the more his future began to unfold before him. The message was clear: He could combine his knowledge of science with his love of religion, and his desire to educate.

Heearned his MBA in 1968, and four years later, he also earned a master's degree in divinity from Cincinnati Bible College.

Dr. Terrell, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Hamilton for 17 years, died Friday at University Hospital of heart and lung failure. The Fairfield resident was 59.

"Though blessed with exceptional academic skills, his selfless humility was evident to all who knew him," said Dr. David Pitman, pastor of Addyston Baptist Church and a former student of Dr. Terrell. "He was the genuine article."

In 1972, Dr. Terrell co-founded Temple Baptist College in Springdale, which offers arts and science courses in a Christian environment.

He served as president of the college from its inception until 1985, and was responsible for the total operation of the college - from teaching to managing the finances.

From 1985 until 2001, he also taught math, science and religion classes to grades 9-12 at Landmark Christian School in Evendale.

Dr. Terrell became a professor and chairman of the business department at Temple Baptist College in 1993. In 2001, he was named dean of academic affairs.

"He was called the professional student," said his wife, Carolyn Terrell of Fairfield. "He encouraged me to get my doctorate degree. Even when he was in the hospital, he was urging his oldest son to get his master's degree."

Dr. Terrell earned a doctorate in theology from Cincinnati Bible College in 1973; master's degree in education from the University of Cincinnati in 1980; and a doctorate in philosophy from UC in 1981.

At the time of his death, he was completing his dissertation for another doctorate in ministry, this one from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. "He was truly blessed by God," his wife said. "He had the ability to manage so many things at the same time."

For several years, Dr. Terrell was owner and principal broker for G.E. Terrell Realty Co.

He also worked in the organic chemicals division of Emery Industries for about five years, from 1967-72, and as alaboratory technician in research and development, under contract to the Atomic Energy Commission for Monsanto Co., where he performed atomic energy research and explosive component development.

Besides his wife of 36 years, survivors include two daughters, Shelley Woodby of Springdale and Deborah Hall of West Chester; two sons, Gail Jr. and Matthew, both of Fairfield; parents, Seymore and Doris Terrell of Dayton; a brother, Jerry of Huber Heights; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. today at Landmark Baptist Temple, 1600 Glendale-Milford Road, Evendale. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Landmark Baptist Temple. Burial will be in Landmark Memorial Gardens. Memorials: Grace Baptist Church, 2630 Hamilton-Mason Road, Hamilton, 45011.

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E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com