Terry James Secor

1951 - 2025

Terry James Secor
Waikoloa - Terry Secor, 74, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from complications related to pancreatic cancer, with the loving support of his angel, Terri, by his side. He departed this life in Hawaii, a magical place he proudly called home for over 40 years. Born on May 4, 1951, in Alton, Illinois, Terry was the beloved third son of Fred H. "Ted" Secor Jr. and Minnie Mae (Caldwell) Secor. He carried a lifelong passion for music that enriched his journey. He was soft-spoken with a beautiful singing voice and had a fine and kind, light heart and humorous, easy-going nature- he was a romantic, poetic troubadour and an extraordinary entertainer.
Terry honed his musical education at Southern Illinois University before venturing to the West Coast to explore a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, pop, rock, soul, and R&B. His tastes gravitated toward smooth jazz and original compositions, showcasing his exceptional skill on the guitar and self-taught proficiency on the keyboard. Terry earned recognition as an exceptionally gifted musician.
In the 1970s, Terry embarked on an unforgettable road trip traveling from Illinois to California. It was during this journey that he discovered the enchanting Big Sur, a haven for musicians, artists, bohemians, gypsies, and writers. This unexplored wilderness, known as El Sur Grande, would become a significant chapter in his life, where he welcomed his beloved daughter, Emerald with his high school sweetheart, Deborah. Terry arrived on the Big Island in 1979, and made it home with his with beloved companion Lisa where he formed his original band and entertained audiences regularly through the years.
Terry dedicated a significant part of his life to the Big Island of Hawaii, where he flourished as an entrepreneur, organizing successful music events and performances while also founding a prosperous video business chain and a thriving health food store and café. He was an accomplished classical upright base player and studied music theory & composition in college. A gifted guitarist, he shared his musical talents with bands such as The Harlequinn Unemployment Agency, Rotterdam Revolving Door Company, Hysterics and Atlantic Fog in Illinois, then with Zytron where Terry was known by the moniker "Flash" in Big Sur and Big Sur Light & Power, and finally with Full Circle, the most sought-after band on the Big Island. He was surrounded by so many talented and special friends who enriched his musical journey. Terry's enthusiasm for golf, swimming the waters of Hapuna Beach, traveling, and his fondness for animals, along with the Aloha spirit, were vital elements of his life in Hawaii.
He is survived by his older brother, Donald Secor of East Alton, and his younger sister, Debra Heckman of Alton. He was preceded in death by his sweet wife, Billie Louise (Smith) Secor, his sister, JoAnn Arnold, and his brother, Fred Secor.
In accordance with his wishes, Terry's ashes will be scattered in Big Sur, a fitting tribute to the place that held such a special place in his heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will forever resonate through the music he loved, improvised, composed, played and so dearly loved.