Samuel Terry

Samuel Rusk Terry, age 84, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 30, 2014 in the town of Kerrville. He was born in Athens, Texas to Dr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Terry on October 1, 1930. He was married to Mary Kathryne Mason from 1951 until 1997. Together, they had three children, Janice K. Engler of Austin, Texas; Samuel Grant Terry of Ingram, TX, and Linda "Birdie" Bagwell of Georgetown, TX. In 2000, Sam married Mary Ellen Booton. They each married the loves of their lives and they enjoyed every day together until his passing. They lived together in Vicksburg Village in Kerrville. Over their years together, they enjoyed many cruises and an active social life. Sam will be remembered for his friendship and warmth he showed to others. \r\n \r\nSam graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio and Trinity University. He was a Captain in the Texas National Guard. He worked for many years as the General Secretary of the Downtown YMCA in San Antonio. Following that, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and went into business for himself owning and operating successful restaurants. During that time, he also raised and showed Palamino Quarter horses. In 1978, at age 47, Sam retired and returned to the Hill Country. However, he never really retired and since that time, he has actively owned and operated the River Hills Cafeteria in Kerrville and the Hideaway Mobile Home Park in Ingram, TX. \r\n \r\nSam was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and was a member of the 21st Century Sunday School Class. For many years, he enjoyed being a private pilot and owning different airplanes. Sam was a noted local handball player and a constant presence at the Peak Fitness Center.\r\n \r\nSam had deep roots in Texas and was a direct descendent of Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a prominent figure at the Battle of San Jacinto. Sam was a fourth generation Texan. \r\n \r\nSam was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Margaret Terry and Anna Ruth Flatten and by an infant daughter Mary Carol Terry. Sam is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his brother Bill Terry; his children, Janny and her husband Jerry Engler, Grant and his wife Nadine, Birdie and her husband Thad; his step-children Bob Booton and his wife Tamsen Duke, and Linda Reese and her husband Tracy Stansberry. Sam is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.\r\n\r\nA Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 on Sunday November 2nd at First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive in Kerrville. The family requests donations in his name be sent to First United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers. \r\n\r\n[contact-form-7 id="73" title="Send Condolences"]