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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Rev. Willie Z. Terry
Willie Z.
Terry
Sep 30, 1931 — May 30, 2020
Rev. Willie Z. Terry's Obituary
On September 30, 1931 Lee Oscar and Iree Terry laid their eyes on Willie Z
Edward Terry in Lovelady, Texas. After his father's death, the family relocated
to Corpus Christi, Texas where
Willie
Z
continued his formal education at
Solomon M. Coles High S
chool. Afterwards,
he
enlisted in the United States
Army during the Korean War. He served as a medic while stationed in
Germany.
But p
rior to going off to war
,
God blessed
Willie Z
with 3 children in
his union to the late Beatrice. Once his military service was complete, he
returned to Corpus Christi, met and married Norva Lee Surrell. God blessed
this union with 6 additional children.
And
Chris came as a bonus!
While living in California, Dr. H.T. Branch recommended the family attend and
unite with Friendly Friendship Baptist Church under Pastor A.E. Williams.
There Willie Z. began serving as a Sunday school teacher, and later as its
director. He also served on the deacon board until he was called to the ministry
in 1962. At which time he served as an assistant to the Pastor. It was during
this time he was licensed into the ministry.
In 1967 after returning to Corpus Christi, Texas, he was named as director o
f
the youth program at St. John First Baptist Church. He would leave that
position and organize his own congregation and call it True Faith Baptist
Church, where he remained until his first semi
-
retirement. While pastoring
True Faith he was affiliated with the Western District Association under the late
Dr. HC Dilworth as moderator. He served the American Baptist State
convention under the late Dr. PS Wilkerson and the American National
Convention under the late Dr. James C. Samms. Rev. Terry served as P
resident
of the District Congress for many years and as vice Moderator of the Association.
After 26 years of faithful service to True Faith, Rev. Terry passed the torch of
leadership. (The family thanks True Faiths current Pastor and wife, Rev. & Sis.
Rich
for their wonderful support, respect and dignity in their continued service
to both Willie Z. and Norva Lee)
After he retired as Pastor from True Faith Baptist Church, he came out of
retirement when asked to lead again as Pastor of the Palestine Missionar
y
Baptist Church in Chester, Texas.
He continued to work as unto
his Lord.
Whi
le li
ving in Lufkin, Texas, Rev. Terry
worked as
an active and beloved
member of Greater
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
And finally, while in the senior care facility here in Corpus Christi, Rev. Terry
led the weekly bible study. His last class was just last month. His faithful
service is now being rewarded with a mighty well done.
No
w there is in store
his crown of righteousness which the Lord has justly awarded.
At 88 years of age, on
May 30, 2020
, after successfully completing his race, Rev.
Terry quietly and peacefully fell asleep in the loving arms of God. His memories
shall forever be cherished by his family and friends. He leaves many loved ones
to honor
his life of service, his wife Ms. Odessa, his children, Cleothus Terry
(Rene) of Houston, Tx; Pam Terry of Houston, Tx; Danny L. Terry of Corpus
Christi; Denise L. Taylor of Missouri City, Tx; Christopher B. C. Surrell
(Jeanette) of Dallas, Tx; Debbie A.
Vincent of Corpus Christi, Tx; Tammy L. Terry
(David) of Detroit, MI; Tracy Morgan (Curtis) of Dallas, Tx; Timothy Lee Terry
(Cassandra) of Pflugerville, TX; One brother L.O. Terry (Jewel) of Missouri City,
Tx; and a sister in law Dovie Jordan of Houston, Tx.
He was affectionately called
Grandfather by 19 grandchildren, 34 great grand kids and 2 great
-
great grand
babies.
Rev. Terry was blessed with a Psalms 91:16 good long life and so I leave you
with his words to me following mothers homegoing celebration.
"I have h
ad
many up's and many downs in my life. But I tried."
Dad
d
a, I am so proud to
have walked with you my whole 62 years here on earth as your son.
Much
love, Danny
LaRue Terry. See you soon Da
dd
a . . ..
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for Rev. Willie Z. Terry
Visitation
June
5
Friday
Friendship Baptist Church
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
June
6
Saturday
Calvary First Baptist Church
Starts at 12:00 pm
Interment
June
8
Monday
Rose Hill Memorial Park
Starts at 10:00 am
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