of Maumelle, AR
April 9, 1962 - February 6, 2025
Thomas Gifford ''Giff'' Terry, 62, of Maumelle, Arkansas went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 6, 2025 surrounded by his family.
He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 9, 1962 to William Wilson Terry and Nancy Woodall Terry. He is preceded in death by his parents; his nephew, Joshua Wharton; his aunts and uncles, Betsy and John Branch, Mikki and Vic Maffet, Homer H. Woodall, Jr.; his grandparents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Jay and Jeanette Blevins and his brother-in-law, Rev. William Bruce Blevins.
Giff is survived by his wife and best friend for 45 years, Joni Lynn Blevins Terry; Two sons, Patrick Ryan Terry (Sarah) of Tontitown, AR, Michael Shae Terry (Gina) of North Little Rock, AR; Four grandchildren, Hayden Terry, Hunter Terry and Hank Terry of North Little Rock, AR and Lainey Jane Terry of Tontitown, AR; Siblings, Deborah Denise Johnson (Clayton) of Paron, AR, Timothy Jay Terry (Marie) of Clarksville, TN and Tracy Nanette Tartera (Johnny) of Saulsbury, TN; Brother-In-Law, Michael J. Blevins (Kathy) of Fort Smith, AR; Sister-In-Law, Diann Blevins of Little Rock, AR; Uncle, Curtis Terry (Hope) of Wooster, AR; Nephews & Niece, Chris Blevins (Melissa) of Fort Smith, AR, Sarah Dungy (Louis) of Plano, TX, Tony Blevins (Amanda) of Bixby, OK, Jason Terry (Kourtney) of Clarksville, TN and Justin Terry (Kendra) of Fulton, IL and Catherine Elizabeth Wetherington of Little Rock, AR; Fifteen Great nephews and nieces; cousins and many loving friends.
Giff was a dedicated employee of the Little Rock School District for 40 years. He served in the Arkansas Army National Guard assigned to 125th Medical Battalion as a Switchboard Operator in the Operation section for 6 years. He was a faithful member of Life Unlimited Chrisitan Fellowship for 35 years and attended Monday night meetings, Lift Jesus Higher, a Christ based ministry for addiction, held at Life Unlimited Christian Fellowship. Here he was able to share his story with others and the hope we have in Jesus. He loved the Lord with all his heart and he had a heart of gratitude for God's goodness and faithfulness. His faith remained strong even during his battle with cancer. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, Pappy, brother, uncle and friend. He was generous, caring, thoughtful, supportive, kind-hearted and humorous. He always knew how to make you laugh and put a smile on your face!
He was a member of Word Deer Camp for many years, where he enjoyed hunting and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling and camping with his wife, Joni and family, fishing, listening to music, working in the yard, reading his Bible, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and friends. He was truly a blessing to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all, until we see him again!
The family would like to thank CARTI in Little Rock and especially Dr. Andrew Briggler and his team, for the excellent care, support, kindness and compassion we received over the last two years. We were blessed, thank you. We would also like to thank the team of Doctors at Baptist Hospital Little Rock, the staff of the 10th Floor (Oncology), the CVICU and Baptist Hospice for your excellent care, support and kindness shown to us during the most difficult time for our family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215 or online at CARTI.com.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13th at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211. Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, February 14th, 11:00 a.m. at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211. Graveside Service will be held at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, 301 Carnahan Drive, Maumelle, AR 72113 following Celebration of Life Service.
I worked with Gifford a long time, and I'll remember with great fondness our conversations about the Lord. I know he is in his presence today! Gifford would always pass along a good gospel song to me too. My deepest condolences to Joni and the family.
We pray for Gifford Terry family that God peace , comfort and healing be upon the family, as you walk through this time. Surely we shall see him again. In Jesus Christ Name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time of loss. May God comfort you with hope and knowing Giff is in eternity in heaven.
Gifford was a joy to work with and a good friend. I always enjoyed the conversations that we had. He had a deep love for the Lord and that was reflected in all that he did. I will miss Gifford, until I see him again one day.
Joni, Denise and family I so hate to hear this! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Love yal!
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort knowing that, through God’s grace and goodness, you will see Giff again in Heaven
Joni,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Giff. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joni and all your family. I’m so sorry for your loss of Griff. A truly good, kind man and friend of God.
Prayers for you all.
Giff was a wonderful friend, and brother in Christ. He is going to be greatly missed. But I envision Bruce, Buster , Casey and all your family greeting him with a celebration at the feet of Jesus. What a Day of Rejoicing!
Gifford, "my Buddy"....it was a pleasure knowing and working with you. You came to my rescue for everything at the office. Joni, the kids, and grandkids... Gifford loved you beyond measure!!! My deepest condolences to you during your time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew him. He will be greatly missed by so many!!! Rest in Peace, My Buddy!
Praying for you all strength!!!
Joni,
I am so sorry! My prayers, thoughts and love are with you during this time!
Gif, it was a pleasure working with you at LRSD. You helped me through a really rough time during the loss of my dad. The scriptures and the kind words meant more than you could have ever known. Rest well, my friend. Sending my sincerest condolences to Joni and family.
My heartfelt Condolences to the Terry family. Gifford was a great guy and I am proud to have been his friend.
Joni, Patrick & Sarah, Mikey & Gina,
Sending our love to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Joni and family, my heartfelt prayers are lifted up for you and your family during this time of grief. May the "Good Lord" provide comfort and peace that surpasses understanding to you all, in Jesus' name! His Blessed Assurance be your Sweet Refrain!
Joni:
You and Your Family are in my prayers. Just remember the good times. You need me I am just a phone call away.
Joni and family, You are remembered in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Giff was a wonderful Christian man. So glad he is now out of pain, and with Jesus.
Joni, Patrick, Michael, Tim, Denise, and Tracy,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God Bless you all during this difficult time. Bill and Nancy greeted Giff when he arrived in Heaven. What a great meeting that was. The rest of us will meet up with you in Heaven one day and what a joyous occasion that will be. Until then, you are one of God’s most precious Angels. I love you Gifford Terry!