Terrence Arthur Modlin

Terrence (Terry) Arthur Modlin passed away on July 19, 2026, at the age of 82 after a sudden illness, surrounded by family.

The only child of Dr. Herbert and Mildred Modlin, Terry grew up in Topeka, KS. Terry graduated from Topeka High School in 1962 where he received several honors including President of the Student Body. He graduated from Kansas University in 1967 with a degree in Psychology, followed by KU law school and then completed post graduate work in hospital administration at Duke University. In 1970, Terry moved to Asheville, North Carolina where he worked at Highland Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 1976, Terry opened Ashville’s first full service Mexican restaurant, Poncho’s La Casita on Tunnel Road and operated this restaurant for 10 years and then left the Asheville, NC area in 1987. In 2000, Terry moved back to Topeka to care for his aging parents and then returned to North Carolina in 2007. Terry was active in several civic and professional organizations which included president of Buncombe County Mental Health Association, Director in the WNC Culinary Association, and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the NC Restaurant Association.

Terry is survived by his wife Cherise, stepson Christopher, and granddaughter Lyla, all of King, NC. A private service will be held.

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