Samuel Terry Jr.

A memorial service will be held for Samuel Earl Terry Jr., 79, of Clinton, at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Church of God.

Terry died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City.

He was born Aug. 1, 1936, to Samuel Earl Terry and Sally (Sink) Terry in Roanoke, Va. He was raised and attended school in Roanoke.

At an early age he enlisted in the U.S. Marines, but because he was below the age limit he was discharged from the military until he was of age. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, and served in Korea as well as Homestead, Fla., and in Greenland, Africa, and at Burns Flat.

While stationed at Clinton Sherman Air Force Base in Burns Flat he met Betty Black, and they were married in 1957 at Sayre.  While in the military his family moved often, but settled back in Clinton in 1964. He was employed with TG&Y Stores and managed the Clinton, Norman, Weatherford and Lawton stores. He also worked several years for Bud Crowl at the Midwest Farmers Gin, and for Stage, C.R. Anthony and United Super Market. The past several years he was employed with Williams Electric Company as an apprentice, up until his death.

Terry was a longtime active and faithful member of the First Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Mike Terry; and two sisters, Joanne Wolfe and Doris Hazelip.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Rick Terry and wife Paula, and Chris Terry and wife Tammy, all of Clinton; four grandchildren, Tayler Terry, Shayla Wilhite and husband Randall, Harlee Terry, and Chase Terry; and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Wilhite and Slade Wilhite.   

The memorial service will be officiated by Rev. Greg Hill under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.