Bernard Clifton "Cliff" Terry Sr.

Bernard Clifton (Cliff) Terry, Sr, 88, of Oneida, TN passed away peacefully in his home, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on March 24, 1937, in Oneida, TN, to Homer and Geneva (Foster) Terry. He was employed by Roark's Amoco prior to his retirement. He was a veteran of the US Army. Prior to his death he professed his faith in the Lord. If Hard-working could be embodied by a person, it would be Cliff Terry. He wasn't just a man; he was a father, a provider, and a leader. A true family man that made sure his wife and kids were taken care of. No matter the circumstances, sickness, bad weather, Cliff always made sure his family's needs were met before his own. Whether someone needed their car fixed, firewood, or needed a few vegetables to eat, Cliff was always the person that loved to provide for others. Christ's Love was truly represented by Cliff. The Bible says man should show compassion, meekness, forgiveness, and a humble mind, which Cliff showcased every day. We all were beyond blessed to know the man that Cliff Terry was.

Preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Geneva Foster Terry, his brother Boyce, his mother and father in-law, Lon, Sr. and Edith (Campbell)Whaley, Brother and sister in-law Larry and Linda (Davis) Whaley, Brother and Sister in-law Roy Lee and Linda (Whaley) Phillips, Sister in-law Charlene (Whaley) Phillips, Brother in-law Roy Trent, sister in-law Donna (Bowling) Whaley, and son in-law Wesley Laxton.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley (Whaley) Terry, of Oneida, TN, his children, Marlisa (Greg) Smith of Harriman, TN, Bernard (Ginger) Terry of Oneida, TN, DeNeil Laxton of Bella Vista, AR, and Chanda Posey of Oneida, TN, his grandchildren, Shawn (Leslie) Smith, Tiffany (Heath) Dewberry-Moore, and Brandon(Chelsea) Smith all of Harriman, TN, Brady (Emily) Terry of Louisville, KY, Hannah (Zach) Bridges and Cooper West of Oneida, TN, Meredith Laxton (Victor Alpi) of Savannah, GA, Demi Laxton (fiancée Walter Norbeck) of Elkins, AR, Madison Laxton (boyfriend Deon Alvarez) of Fayetteville, AR, Bailie (Dakota) Sexton and Landrie (fiancée Zayne Lowe) Posey all of Oneida, TN, his great-grandchildren, Levi, Jenna, and Lydia Smith, Ransom Dewberry, Kayleigh, Teagan, and Oakley Smith, Cohen, Ridley, Timmy, and Jackson Bridges, Myles and Hallie Terry, and Arizona Sexton, Sisters in-law Joan (Whaley) Stonecipher, Johnnie (Whaley) Schenck, Pat (Whaley) Trent, and brother and sister in-law Lon (Donna) Whaley, Special Caregiver Amy Porter, Special friends, Rocky and Glenna Watson, and Ken Terry that was like a brother to him; and also, many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Friends may visit with the Terry family on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Crestin Burke, Bro. Jeff Boyatt, and Bro. Shawn Smith officiating. Music will be provided by Lon Whaley, Jr., Shawn Smith and Tiffany Dewberry-Moore.

Committal service will follow in the Foster Crossroads Cemetery in Oneida with full Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Post #136 of Oneida. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Bernard Clifton (Cliff) Terry, Sr.