Te Ta

In Loving Memory of Te Ta
1936 - 2024
Te Ta, a man of quiet strength and unyielding resilience, passed away on December 23, 2024, in Haslet Texas, at the age of 88. Born on March 15, 1936, near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Te's remarkable journey began as the son of Chinese immigrants who fled communism in China, seeking refuge and hope in Vietnam.
Te's early years were marked by hardship and perseverance. At just six years old, he began working in a shoemaker's shop to help support his family. Growing up as part of a marginalized community in Vietnam, he faced immense challenges but met them with steadfast determination. His life became a testament to the virtues of hard work, humility, and an unshakable devotion to family.
In his early twenties, Te's deep love for his homeland and his desire to bring peace to Vietnam led him to work with the U.S. government during the Vietnam War. Though this decision brought great personal risk, it exemplified his unwavering courage and commitment to creating a better future for his country.
In 1974, fate brought Te the greatest joy of his life when he met the love of his life, To Ha Ta Huynh. Their union was one of profound partnership and mutual respect. They were married on January 1, 1976, and soon after welcomed their son, Bill, on October 11, 1976.
In the aftermath of the war, Te and his family faced a new set of challenges. While awaiting extradition to the United States, Te experienced a rare period as a stay-at-home father, cherishing the opportunity to nurture his young son. When they finally embarked on their journey to America, tragedy struck in the form of a shipwreck, leaving them marooned in Indonesia for over a year.
Despite the dire circumstances-living in a foreign land with no resources or knowledge of the language-Te's resourcefulness and perseverance never faltered. He found solace and support among a group of compassionate strangers who, recognizing his contributions during the war, connected him with missionaries from a Massachusetts church. Their kindness ultimately paved the way for Te and his family to reach the United States.
Once in America, Te embraced his lifelong mantra: work hard, no matter the circumstances. He secured employment with Web Converting, a family-owned logistics and shipping company, where he remained a loyal and dedicated employee until the age of 75. Te's remarkable work ethic and sense of responsibility defined him; he walked two miles to work and back every day for over six years, a testament to his relentless drive to provide for his family.
At home, Te and To Ha formed a team in every sense of the word. Together, they soldered computer circuit boards in the evenings, pooling their skills and efforts to support their household. Their partnership was a beautiful reflection of their shared values: love, resilience, and mutual respect.
About a decade ago, Te and his family relocated to Texas, where he continued to embody a quiet but profound presence. Though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. He was a devoted husband, an exceptional father, and a doting grandfather. Te's son, Bill, often called him the best father in the world-a sentiment echoed in the countless small but powerful ways Te showed his love.
Gardening became a cherished pastime for Te and To Ha, a quiet joy they shared together in their later years. Te's legacy is one of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his family. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Te is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 49 years, To Ha Ta; his son, Bill Ta, and daughter-in-law, Julie; and his treasured granddaughter, Zoe Ta, who brought boundless joy to his later years.
Te will have a Graveside Service on the grounds of Azleland Cemetery & Memorial Park, on Tuesday, December 31st @ 10:00 AM. Located at 850 N. Cardinal Rd, Azle, TX 76020.
In the story of his life, Te Ta leaves behind a rich legacy of love, perseverance, and quiet strength that will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were privileged to witness his journey.
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