Terry Ong's Obituary
Terry Ong—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a dear friend to many—passed away on May 20, 2024. Terry's life journey was marked by compassion, love for Christ, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Born on November 19, 1950, in Taipei, Taiwan, to Chin Shui and San Ong, Terry was the youngest of seven siblings, with whom he was always very close. During college at TungHai University, he met his lifelong love, Mary, and they were married in 1974. They immigrated to the United States for graduate school in 1976 and eventually settled in Dallas, Texas.
Terry started his computer business Cowell Corporation in 1984, which flourished and evolved over the years. He was a skilled entrepreneur who leveraged his company to not only support his family but also to aid his employees and business partners.
In 2001, Terry underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery. This sudden event changed his perspective, prompting him to devote the remainder of his life to serving God and helping others, and he was later baptized in 2004. He often looked for practical ways to help people—whether teaching others how to apply for Medicare, helping translate at a doctor’s appointment, or answering questions on tax and estate planning. During these times, he also would take the opportunity to share God’s love.
He continued this spirit of generosity and love after he retired and was a founding member of the Little Shepherd Foundation (LSF), a non-profit organization focused on helping the local Chinese community. Through this foundation, he helped many in need, including the elderly and families with special needs children. He was passionate about his work at LSF and always gave God the glory. He also served for seven years on the Dallas Chinese Fellowship Church’s caring committee and taught English for ten years to seniors at 19th Street Senior Home.
Terry was a devoted husband, father, and friend, and he cherished every moment spent with family and friends. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary, his children Jason (and wife Amye) and Janice (and husband Tim), and his grandchildren Dillan, Nolan, Hayden, Carson, and Lily, who were his pride and joy.
A memorial service celebrating Terry's life will be held on June 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Dallas Chinese Fellowship Church, where friends and family can come together to honor his memory. Here is the link to view the service via livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/xsITMvHxbYs
A visitation will take place on June 7, 2024, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Little Shepherd Foundation by making an account at https://littleshepherd.churchcenter.com/giving and then designating the gift “In memory of Terry Ong”, or by contacting Mary Ong.
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?

