Terry Ree

1949 - 2024

Terry Ree

July 3, 1949 - December 21, 2024

Terry Ree, a proud member of the Oglala Sioux tribe passed away peacefully at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on December 21, 2024 at the age of 75. He was born July 3, 1949 in Huron, South Dakota and later moved to the capitol of Pierre and attended Riggs High School. Upon graduation he attended Black Hills State College (Now Black Hills State University) in Spearfish in 1968. It was there in 1969 he married his high school sweetheart Carol Longland. During his time at BHSU he formed a friendship and bond with Bruce Williams who would eventually become his musical and performance partner for the next 50+ years. Williams and Ree or "The Indian and The White Guy", as they were commonly known developed national recognition as a relevant comedic voice with an indigenous skew. The duo began experimenting with their brand of humor at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles in the late 1970's. They eventually moved to Tennessee in 1984 during the heyday of TNN, The Nashville Network Cable Channel. They shared 9 years on a cooking show with Florence Henderson called Country Kitchen and did a stint on Hee Haw for 2 seasons. The partners enjoyed a successful career for over 55 years, television, live performances across America, Canada and USO shows for the US military overseas.

Terry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jeff and Alice Ree, daughter Julie Ree, sisters Irma Stroup, Darlene Kirsch and Wanda Engle, brother Calvin (Tiny) Ree. Terry is survived by his loving wife Carol, adored sons Rob and Michael (Nicole) Ree, grandchildren London, Scarlet and Jude Ree, sister Lorena (Patty) Ree, brothers Buddy and Bernard, sister in laws Betty Thoreson, Evelyn Putzier, Mary Longland and Rose (Bill) Gingrich. Also many nieces, nephews and many treasured friends. Terrys love of family and travel included memorable Christmas vacations spent in Hawaii, trips with Carol and friends to Paris along with other adventures in Europe and various destinations throughout the United States including many wine trips to California. Working throughout North America on a weekly basis performing at Fairs, Festivals and Casinos, you could always find him wherever the party was gathering or simply with his friends on the golf course. He always loved a good reason to celebrate, laugh and play music. Terry was an extraordinary, generous, talented man whose presence and humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Williams and Ree Scholarship Fund at bhsufoundation.org.