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Terry Ray Whitlock
1950 - 2013
Terry Ray Whitlock
1950 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1950
DIED
2013
Terry Whitlock Obituary
Terry was born on November 17, 1950 in Boise, Idaho the son of Violet and Monroe Whitlock. He grew up in and attended grade school at Edwards Air Force Base in California, after which he moved with his family to Evreux, France for 2 years. Terry's father was then transferred to Lakenheath AFB, England where Terry graduated from High School. He returned to the United States and joined the US Army, serving his duty in Germany, after which time he returned to New Jersey to be with his family.
It was in New Jersey that Terry met and married Susan Cannon in 1974 and the couple lived on the Jersey Shore. Terry had a great passion for music, especially singing and playing the guitar, and this love led him to form the band Tahoka Freeway. The band performed for a number of years, and went on to record and play for many venues throughout the Eastern United States. Following the band's disbursement, Terry and a friend built their own fishing boat and spent many hours on the open sea. He also worked for a commercial fishing company for several years.
Terry liked to travel, and spent time in St. Croix and Puerto Rico. He returned to the U.S. and worked for a pool and spa company and, in 1993, moved to Idaho to be near his family. In Idaho, Terry worked for Basterrechea Trucking, for Star Construction, and Volco Building Supply. His final employment was with Ferguson Water Works.
Terry liked to serve his community and was an active member of the Twin Falls Masonic Lodge and also the Twin Falls Wish Foundation. All through his time in Idaho, he played and sung for events throughout Southern Idaho.
Terry is survived by his mother, Violet Whitlock of Twin Falls; his brother, Monroe Jr. of Twin Falls; He was preceded in death by his father, Monroe.
Funeral services for Terry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. East, Twin Falls with Pastor Dale Metzger officiating. Military honors by Magic Valley Honor Guard and Idaho National Guard. Masonic rites by the Twin Falls Masonic Lodge #45 AF & AM. At Terry's request there will be no public viewing. Burial will follow at Wendell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be given in Terry's name to the Magic Valley Wishing Star Foundation. Contributions may be given to funeral chapel staff or mailed to Reynolds Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 1142, Twin Falls, ID 83303.
Services are under the direction of Trent Stimpson and staff at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
J. Randall Broskley
April 7, 2017
Saddened my heart to hear of Terry's passing. The memories I have kept all these years came out like a fountain. The Saturday nights at the Brewery with the square dancing and all we did to those very special songs like "Light Rain". I still have that 45. The music, like Terry, can never be forgotten for those that were there. His voice will echo in eternity.
Tom Bisset
June 2, 2015
So sorry to hear this news a few years after the fact. So many nights listening to Terry & Tahoka----- great way to blow off steam.Did shots with him one night in the old Saloon in what I believe may have been their last show--- at least that is what they said at the time.rest in peace knowing you made life more enjoyable for many people.
January 11, 2015
Dear Terry,
I can't believe it has been 2 years that you have been gone. I miss hearing your beautiful voice. I always looked forward to your call on New Years Eve to wish us a Happy New Year and catch up on life. I think of you often and with love. Lou& I send our thoughts & prayers to you and your family. You will never be forgotten, my dear friend.
Much love,
Shelley & Lou Esquieu
Williamstown NJ
Leslie Caldwell
October 7, 2013
I just heard about Terry's passing over the weekend. Such sad news. I have great memories of Terry's music and of Tahoka Freeway from my years in State College, PA. There's a little less light in the world now.
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Nathan Hemmis
September 17, 2013
It deeply saddened me to hear of the loss of such a great musician . Being the son of George Hemmis the front man of the High Country band I grew Up on dirty crackly board recordings of Tahoka .... Hope can only be that no Light Rains chase any parties inside !
Carlo Mucci
July 9, 2013
I will never forget Terry Whitlock night at the Red Oak in New Jersey. Best times ever!
Denise Woodworth
June 6, 2013
Terry was a great musician and a fun guy we had lot's of fun with Tahoka Freeway he will be missed rest in peace Terry!!!
Vicki Key
May 26, 2013
On behalf of his former classmates at Dreux American High School in France, our sincere condolences!
Vicki Key
Class of '67
Dreux American HS, France
Lubbock, TX
May 17, 2013
At Penn State, Terry's band was it. They rocked The Brewery like no one else and on Saturday nights back then Terry always made sure the band was on a break when The Blues Brothers (Belushi and Akroyd) were up on SNL. I used to buy him a beer as we just watched and Terry would laugh so hard when Akroyd was sliding on his back playing the harmonica. I hope I told him how much the crowd loved his music. His passing and the passing of those times are hard to believe. RIP Terry. Regards to his friends and family. - A Penn State fan.
PeggySue Majewski
March 18, 2013
So sorry to hear of Terry's passing. I met him in the mid-70s when I had the privilege to sing Angel From Montgomery with Tahoka Freeway before I gave up singing miked. May your good memories carry you, and many blessings upon Terry as he embarks on his next big adventure.
March 17, 2013
My husband and I are so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. We were avid Tahoka Freeway fans during our days at Penn State. What great memories of Terry, Wayne, Fred, Larry, and Andy, if I remember the band correctly. We've searched on and off over the past 25+ years for Terry's whereabouts and are so pleased to learn he lived such an active, experience filled life as conveyed above. We will continue to search for and hopefully find clips from Tahoka ...especially liked 'Light Rain' (or by whatever title). Our very sincere condolences. Terry will live on in his music, which we hope offers you comfort, as it offers us wonderful memories.... Karen and Tom Robinson, PSU 1979
March 7, 2013
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Whitlock, who I first met waaay back at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California in the middle 1960s, and who I then bumped into in England in 1967 or 1968. We hung around quite a bit and had some great times. He was one of the few people in high school who could really, truly play the guitar. He left England in, I believe, 1969 and I lost touch with him. Mrs. Whitlock and Monty, I am sorry for your loss. I wonder if you remember me from my visits to your home at Lakenheath Village.
Rob Brockman, Walnut Creek, CA
Robert Brockman
March 7, 2013
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Whitlock, who I first met waaay back at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California in the middle 1960s, and who I then bumped into in England in 1967 or 1968. We hung around quite a bit and had some great times. He was one of the few people in high school who could really, truly play the guitar. He left England in, I believe, 1969 and I lost touch with him. Mrs. Whitlock and Monty, I am sorry for your loss. I wonder if you remember me from my visits to your home at Lakenheath Village.
February 20, 2013
Terry was one of my musical heroes. I played in the Whetstone Run Bluegrass Band for 10 years and we traveled a lot. But when we were in town I seldom missed a chance to hear Terry sing. I have ask many people over the years where was and how he as doing. Now I have my final answer. I treasure even more the music he left behind.
Mike Gorrell
Marc Lewis
February 17, 2013
So sad - many of us learned of Terry's whereabouts last summer at the arts festival after 25+ years of being out of touch - there was joy and hope to talk with him again. His death has hit hard, and brought many of us back in touch. It was an honor to have worked with him in Tahoka - miss ya old buddy - PJ
Phyllis Johnston
February 13, 2013
So sorry for your loss, we knew Terry for several years when he lived in State College, PA. He was a great musician and funny and entertaining guy. He will be truly missed~ Phyllis and Eric Johnston Boalsburg, PA
Judy Naginey
February 10, 2013
I can remember listening to Tahoka and wishing for the sets never to end, and then for the evening to go on forever .... Terry's vocals and presence were the center of so many wonderful times in my life. I hope he can hear me saying thank you.
paul gallagher
February 7, 2013
To Terry's family - I just want you to know that, after 30 or so years, those of us who spent time enjoying his artistry can still hear his voice. It defined a time for many of us. While I know that everyone is saddened by his untimely passing, he made an enormous impact and filled many of us with joy in a few short years in SC. I will never forget him.
Karen Schuckman
February 7, 2013
Sue, thanks so much for making this guest book a permanent presence!
When Larry Bish shared the news of Terry's passing, he and I reflected on the legend that Terry had become in State College and how nice it would have been for him to know that. We wanted to share those memories with his family, and this guestbook has made it possible.
An article was published yesterday on the Penn State Magazine (alumni association publication) website. I thought it would be appropriate to share here.
To all of Terry's friends and family in Idaho, we just want you to know how much we have thought of Terry over the years and regret his passing before we had a chance to see him again.
http://pennstatermag.com/2013/02/06/remembering-terry-whitlock-jamie-rounds/
Cheers from Memphis and the International Blues Challenge
Tom Bruce
February 7, 2013
I had the good fortune to run into Bob Trump at the Elks 6 or 7 years ago, before he passed and I asked him if he had any Tahoka Freeway music to share. He tilted his head, smiled and said oh yea. He burned a wonderful two CD set for me and I have been enjoying those great sounds now for the last several years. Fabulous memories of Tahoka at The Brewery and Skellar during the 70's college years. God rest your soul Terry, you and the band were very special. Peace, Tom Bruce PSU '77.
John Ashby
February 7, 2013
Will never forget Terry's amazing voice
"Off to the Rodeo"
Rest in peace my friend
Steve Huber
February 6, 2013
State College has lost a musical legend and a friend. My sympathies to the Whitlock family. Terry was a friend to so many people on their path through PSU.
Terry Whitlock at Rathskeller with Tad Marks on fiddle circa 1980
Tad Marks
February 6, 2013
I just found out about Terry's passing and I am really saddened. I always wondered what happened to him after leaving State College. I loved that band Tahoka Freeway and even sometimes sat in with them on fiddle on a few numbers . I also played some songs with Terry around town (see attached photo). He had a wonderful raspy singer and played guitar almost like a 5 string banjo player I always believed in his talent I thought he would become famous one day. Lee Lenker and I got him to come down to Maryland for a recording session at UMBC. God Bless you Terry. You are a true American Original in my book!
Archie Warnock
February 6, 2013
Tahoka Freeway was one of the first bands I heard when I arrived in State College in 1973 and, led by Terry's distinctive vocals, lit a passion that has lasted a lifetime. Thanks Terry, and all of the guys, for the inspiration and memories.
Celia Millington-Wyckoff
February 6, 2013
Terry was one of the best singers I've heard, and Tahoka Freeway was just a great band. I have very fond memories of hearing them here in State College, PA. RIP, Terry.
Sue Strate
February 5, 2013
Terry will be missed and never forgotten. Although our paths parted many years ago, he will always be with me. He was my first love and we shared something special. Terry had a very large personality and was able to bring a smile to anyone he was near. God be with you.
Barbara Tyson
January 29, 2013
Thanks, Karen for posting the pic of Terry from when I remember him. His band rocked St. College! I'd hear his voice singing as I entered the bar and I would order a pitcher of beer (for myself)....I knew I was hanging out for the night..my friends were there too but it was all about Terry and the band. Great fun!!!
Mary Neyhard
January 28, 2013
Terry and Tahoka Freeway was the incentive to venture out to the Brewery or Scorpion on any given night of the week....regardless of schoolwork or exams. It was always a magical evening...hearing Terry's unique voice singing in that southern rock style and entertaining everyone in the room. In the past few months, I noticed that someone downloaded many of the Tahoka Freeway songs on youtube...and after all these years, it brought back many fond memories. Terry had the charisma, stage presence and song-writing creativity which made me and my friends excited when his band was playing. Rest in Peace dear Terry...thank you for the joy you brought to so many people.
Charlie DuBois
January 24, 2013
Terry and Tahoka Freeway sure lit up the night when they rocked the clubs and nightspots here in State College, Pennsylvania. Listening and dancing to them made the nasty old world outside just disappear. His voice and songwriting to me truly were the signature of that band. And, not only was he an outstanding entertainer and singer, he was just a fun guy to be around. We've lost a special person. My condolences to the family.
Hubie White
January 23, 2013
Those were special years when Tahoka and Terry held court in the Skelller. An extended family of sorts. A sound and a voice that will always be in my head. I just wish that I could have run into him one more time. What a good time it was!
Russ Gula
January 23, 2013
The Terry I knew was an enigma, at once close friend and distant artist. His voice made singing look effortless and his wry smile always reminded me of someone who new something you didn't. When i think of the times I sang along at the top of my lungs he took me to a place I will now never see again. God speed Terry, there will never be another one like you.
Karen Schuckman
January 23, 2013
This is my favorite photo of Terry (thanks, Larry Bish!). Just seeing it brings back vivid memories of his rich voice and distinctive laugh. We are wondered for so long where you were, Terry. We've missed you and will still miss you.
Shelley & Lou Esquieu
January 21, 2013
Terry was a joy to know, and we feel blessed to have had him as a dear friend for so many years. We will miss hearing his beautiful voice and the smiles he always brought out in us whenever we spoke. I always expected to turn on the radio one day and hear him singing his wonderful music -he was truly a gifted and talented musician. He just left us far too soon...but we know that he is still with us...just look for the brightest star that is glowing up in the heavens. Take care, dear friend. You will always be in our hearts.
With Love, Shelley & Lou Esquieu
james & misty
January 20, 2013
He will truly be missed
Becky Williams
January 20, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, but it is nice to know you will meet again.
charles Rudd
January 20, 2013
Terry you were special breed of person and open your hart to everyone! We will miss you but never forget you for you have left your mark upon this crusty old earth! We shall meet again in heavens gates my friend! Love you cousin!
Andy Jackman
January 18, 2013
I often refer to the six or so years I spent in Tahoka Freeway as my early retirement. That is because, for me at least, by having that much fun before I turned the page to the career I have now spent most of my life pursuing, and delaying the work and joy of raising a family and earning my way, I will now need to work well past a reasonable retirement age to make up for it. The truth is I have absolutely no regrets, other than I wish it had lasted longer. I am grateful now to learn that the conclusion of Tahoka was just the beginning of a series of adventures for Terry. And I admit, I feel a little envious. Shortly after the band broke up, I hopped onto a path well worn by others and with a map to follow, while Terry apparently dove into the next thing and made his way by cutting his own unique path. From my time with him, I think this was simply how he was built and what made him happy.
As for the Tahoka years, they were filled with highs and lows, friendships and conflicts, like any endeavor that involves a group of creative individuals. We were a family for a short period of time, and we displayed plenty dysfunction to prove it. Terry was our heart and soul. We backed him up, we supported him, we fought with him and we stood by him with pride. He was an artist. He put himself out there, sometimes with great confidence, other times with tremendous self-doubt. But he did it night on night with an almost magical presence that drew people to our little band and glued them to us. Part of it was his voice, deep with the texture of tree bark. Part was his deft handling of a scuffed and beaten Martin acoustic. Part was a chatty stage manner that treated every audience with the familiarity of old friends. And yet another part was his way of telling his stories through words and music. Yes part of it was also the band, but that is not important here. In the end, regarding our venture together, Terry was simply a rare and vulnerable talent, that if a different luck had been there to trip over, was good enough to have gone where we had collectively aspired to go.
So I look back on that brief time with great fondness as the memories now flood back. And I am grateful to Terry for the part he played in my life, the times we shared, and the music he left us. I close my eyes. I hear opening phrase from that old Martin, and that familiar voice. He is there; and he always will be.
Thanks Terry. Don't stop playing now.
Andy
Reynolds Funeral Chapel
January 14, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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2466 Addison Ave East, Twin Falls, ID 83301
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