Joseph Mitchell Terry

Joseph Mitchell Terry, age 81 of Gatesville, passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, May 20, 2024.

 Memorial services, with military honors, will be scheduled at a later date at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Joseph Mitchell Terry was born in Lompoc, California on March 6, 1943, to the late William Terry and Gloria Hicox. He grew up in Northeast Texas and served in the Air Force in the Air Police (AP) during the Cold War. He was stationed at the air base in Anchorage, Alaska. He married Ann Storie and they had five children spending most of their life together in New York State, Arkansas and East Texas. In 1985, Joseph married Viola Marie Vi and they made their home in Texas. They spent their last 16 years in Gatesville, TX.

After leaving the Air Force, Joseph worked as a registered nurse at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Joseph loved to play the western acoustic guitar and some family members say he could play and sing just like Johnny Cash. In life, Joseph loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything else. Joe will be remembered as a loving, if somewhat wild and stubborn spirit.

His last request of anyone, right before an angel of the Lord came to take him home, was for a spot of chocolate ice cream. His last statement before passing was “I'm not hurting anymore”.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Ann Storie, and his first grandson, Daniel Hale.

Joseph is survived by his wife Viola Marie Terry and his four children, Daniel Terry, Sherry Terry, Billy Terry and Timothy Terry.

 “In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man. Brave, and hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him. For then it costs nothing to be a patriot.” - Mark Twain