Kenneth Terry's Obituary
After 93 years on this earth, Kenneth Raymond Terry had a peaceful homecoming with his Savior on May 6, 2023 with his family by his side.
Ken was born June 10, 1929, in Prescott, Arkansas, but quickly moved to Longview, Texas, with his mother where he grew up as the oldest of two brothers in the home of Savannah and Cleveland Terry. Cleveland was a pharmacist while Savannah worked at the downtown dry cleaners. Ken graduated from Longview High School and began a banking career in 1946 while attending Kilgore Junior College. He soon met Betsy Ross at the bank where they both worked, and their courtship began.
Ken was called and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. He was a part of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion position on the front line of the war. He was honorably discharged in March 1954 as Sergeant First Class. He and Betsy wed very soon after in 1954 and moved to Houston, Texas to begin their 68 years of marriage. Ken continued to pursue his finance degree at the University of Houston while working at the Bank of the Southwest. His banking career extended over 50 years from bank teller to Chairman of the Board and President including stops in Houston, Port Arthur, and Richardson, Texas.
Ken had an amazing work ethic; even while growing up he always had a job. Whether it was flipping burgers at Charlie’s in the summertime or at the bowling alley on weekends, he stayed busy. His work ethic propelled him into various capacities in his industry including Director of the Texas Bankers Association, Director of the Community Bankers of the American Bankers Association, and was a graduate of Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
All his adult life he was active in civic and charitable activities including the United Way, YMCA & YWCA, Chamber of Commerce,American Heart Association and Rotary. Perhaps his most treasured honor was being recognized by the American Business Women’s Association as “Boss of the Year”. He became Director and Chairman of the Board of Richardson Medical Center in 1979 and led it from 78 to over 350 hospital beds behind a $2.5MM Capital Fund Drive. For all his community leadership efforts, Ken received the Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor as the Citizen of the Year in 1983.
Ken enjoyed golf as the banker he was. However, his first sport growing up was bowling where he bowled a perfect 300 game before hanging up his shoes. He served as President of Bent Tree Country Club from 1985-86 where he enjoyed his regular Saturday golf game with his
good friends in the 19th hole. He won several Club Member Flight Tournaments. However, the best part of the day for Ken was enjoying Betsy’s home cooking.
Retiring in 1997, Ken and Betsy moved to Canton, Texas. As a proud grandparent, he loved his granddaughters unconditionally. He spent time staying active in all phases of the First United Methodist Church in Canton including his Sunday School class and Saturday Bible Study. But most of all was his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which was demonstrated through his integrity, honesty, and community leadership.
Ken was preceded in death by his son John Paul, brother Paul Terry, and nephews Steve and Mark Terry. He is survived by his wife Betsy Terry, his son Phillip Terry (wife Tracey), granddaughters Rachel Terry, Savannah Terry, and Isabelle Terry, sister-in-law Linda Terry, and great nephew Zachary Terry.
Ken’s life was defined not by his successful 50+ year banking career, but rather by what he did with it and how it impacted the people and communities he served. Nevertheless, his charming sense of humor, his genuine pat on the back when he greeted you, and his heart-felt love for the Lord, are the things his friends and family will miss most about Ken.
If you would like to make an honorary donation in his name, please consider First United Methodist Church, 600 S Buffalo St., Canton, Texas 75103. (903) 567-6528. https://www.cantonfumc.com/
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 600 S Buffalo St., Canton, Texas 75103. (903) 567-6528. https://www.cantonfumc.com/
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