Bill was born on July 25, 1946, to Brutus and Doris Ann Freeman Terry, who preceded him in death. He was married to Jody Ann Barnes on August 26, 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bill and Jody had two sons, Doug and Matt. Matt preceded Bill in death. Doug and his wife Amy live in Edmond with their children Gabriel, Kendall and Madison. Kathy, Matt’s wife, and their daughter, Heather, also live in Edmond. Bill is preceded in death by his brother Charles and survived by his sisters, Sharon, Harriet and Caroline.
According to all who knew him, Bill was a “great guy.” He was an All-State basketball player in high school, leading his team to his school’s first-ever state championship. He went on to play college ball at his beloved Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, where he also met Jody. Bill and Jody settled in Stroud and raised their sons there. Bill coached basketball and was a school administrator, while Jody taught high school English. Later, Bill and Jody moved to Edmond to be close to their sons, and both worked in the Edmond schools. Bill was very proud of the positive impact his work had on countless students’ lives. He could not go anywhere without a student coming up to say hello and give him a hug.
Bill’s greatest joy in life, other than the “hole in one” he carded on the 6th hole at Kickingbird (his favorite course) was his family. He and Jody were inseparable for the 50-plus years they were married, and celebrated their golden anniversary with friends and family in August of 2017. His four grandkids gave him his happiest memories. Bill was the consummate grandpa. He never missed a ballgame, and always had an encouraging word and a warm hug for his grandkids, win or lose. He invested heavily in his grandkids, and he was extremely gratified to see the excellent returns on that investment.
Bill’s warm heart, gentle nature and ready friendship for all made the world a better place, and he will be sorely missed.
