REV. THOMAS HARVEY TERRY

1940 - 2015

REV. THOMAS HARVEY TERRY, 74, of Barboursville, fell asleep in the Lord Saturday, March 14th at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House due to an extended illness. Thomas was born on August 9, 1940 in Huntington. Preceded in death was his loving wife and childhood sweetheart of 47 years, Sarah Ellen Dolen Terry, and his devoted parents Alex Hartsel and Dorothy Lorena Sydenstricker Terry, grandparents Clarence and Lily Harrison Sydenstricker, and Tolby and Ellen Napier Terry, brother Robert Charles Terry, niece, Angela Terry, and sister-in-law, Linda Terry. He leaves behind a loving family to continue his works - daughters Cheryl Jeffers and Carol Turley, son-in-law, Rev. Randy Jeffers; granddaughters Denise Ellen Jeffers Napier, Sarah Ellen Turley, CarolAnn Ellen Jeffers Williams, grandsons-in-law Rev. Bill Napier and Joshua Williams; great grandchildren that were his pride and joy Grace Ann and Isaac William Napier. Brothers and sisters, Richard Terry, Huntington, Dottie (Roland) Richards, Hartsel Ray "Gibb" Terry, Rev. John (Karen) Terry, and Roberta (Hobert) Richards, of Florida, and a devoted sister Shirley (Jerry) Blake of Barboursville, who faithfully delivered his favorite meals every Friday during his last years and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters in Christ and friends. Rev. Terry was pastor of Park Circle Free Will Baptist Church in Kenova, since 1971 where he was recently honored as Pastor Emeritus. He never gave up preaching or teaching his Sunday school class as he always said, "I'd rather wear out than to rust out". He was a tremendous supporter of the Ladies Auxiliary and their goal to build a fellowship hall. Throughout his ministry, he and his wife led hundreds to the Lord and mentored many young preachers. He was a member of the Brotherhood and Good Will Conferences. Rev. Terry was a skilled musician and lead singer of his family's Southern Gospel Group, The Terry Family. He was inspired to write the song, Won't You Take a Look with me at Calvary which has blessed many through the years. In addition to pastoring, he was an evangelist. He held many revivals preaching and singing with his family through West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida. Rev. Terry also hosted the WEMM Christian radio broadcasts Let's Look to Calvary and An Evening with the Terry Family. An avid reader, he wore out countless Bibles and two Kindles by burning out the page turner button. He was member of both Lincoln and Cabell County Reading Councils and enjoyed reading any western. Rev. Terry was a retired carmen for CSX Railway and the financial secretary and assistant local chairman for the B.R.C. union local 455. The family would graciously like to thank their Heavenly Father for allowing us to enjoy our family patriarch for 74 years and for holding his hand as he made it home; Hospice of Huntington for being our angels here on earth; Dr. Linsenmeyer and Jackie Jackson, NP for their friendship and watching over his heart for years, Dr. Joseph for his "Cadillac" device and Dr. Lewis for many dedicated years of care. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, March 16th at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville. Rev. Terry said for everyone to meet at church and, "We will pack the place and have a great service". At his request, services will be held at Park Circle Freewill Baptist Church, 816 13th St., Kenova, WV 25530 on Tuesday, March 17th at 11 a.m. and visitation will occur one hour before. The service will be conducted by Pastor, Rev. Randy Jeffers, Assistant Pastor, Rev. Bill Napier, Rev. John Terry and Rev. David Dolen. Soloist will be Sis. Theresa Jeffries. Pallbearers will be Rev. Terry's nephews as he wanted them to know, "A great soldier for the Lord has passed by". Interment will be at the Dolen Family Cemetery with Rev. Jeffers and Rev. Napier officiating and soloist Sis. Debbie Shaffer, his niece. A celebration of life will follow - everyone is welcome! The family would like to thank the Park Circle FWB Ladies Auxiliary for providing a wonderful dinner. Rev. Terry's witness prior to his last days, "I fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8). On his behalf, his family would like to invite you to our final meeting place – Destination Heaven, by the third tree. As Rev. Terry always said, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24) God bless you is our prayer". Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.