Merle Terrell

September 30, 1934 – December 23, 2023

Merle Terrell, 89, left this earthly home on December 23, 2023, in Fort Worth, TX. He was born on September 30, 1934, in Bowie County, Texas, to Pearlie Mae and Virgil McKinley Terrell. He graduated from Hooks High School in 1953 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. On June 25, 1955, he married his High School sweetheart Joy Dean McCord in Marietta, Texas. Upon completing his military service, the couple settled in Arlington, TX where they welcomed their three children and raised their family.

Merle began a long career as an aircraft electrician at Bell Helicopter Textron, retiring after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Upon retirement, the couple moved to Burleson, TX to build their retirement home.

Merle was a very dedicated and devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Rendon, TX. He was a Master Mason and a longtime member of Arlington Masonic Lodge 438.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents, Pearlie and Virgil Terrell, and siblings, Virgil, Edith and James.

Merle Terrell is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joy Dean McCord Terrell; his three sons, Joe and wife Gayle Terrell, Jeff and wife Trish Terrell, John and wife Irene Terrell; his grandchildren Tracy (Jeff) Pitts, Shannon (Russell) Childress, Kimberly (Tyler) Casburn, Jason (Elizabeth) Terrell, Joshua (Sophia) Terrell, Amanda (Gustavo) Montenegro; twelve Great-Grandchildren; along with numerous family and friends.

Merle was a wonderful example to us all. He was a great storyteller drawing from his lifelong and personal experiences. He knew where he was going in life, and always seemed to choose the right roads to get there.

A viewing is scheduled from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, with visitation from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Funeral service will follow on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 2:00pm with graveside service following the funeral. All services are scheduled at Moore Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 1219 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas.