Terence Robert Binion

Terry was born on September 18, 1944, in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in Decatur, Georgia. He graduated from Druid Hills High School, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later, became a proud member of the Order of the Arrow. He went on to attend Emory University, where he was a member and captain of the swim team, and earned his Bachelor’s degree. After completing his military service, he pursued graduate studies at Georgia Tech University.

From April 1966 to September 1969, Terry served his country with honor as an officer in the United States Navy, earning the National Defense Service Medal. Aboard the USS Thor, he spent much of his time in the North Atlantic Ocean, where he and his crew were tasked with repairing underwater communication cables frequently cut by Russian forces. His duties also included several deployments to Guam during the Vietnam War. Following active duty, he continued to serve for three years in the Naval Reserve. Terry went on to build a successful career in the computer and insurance industries, including Equifax’s Property & Casualty Division in Atlanta, Georgia and Innovis, a subsidiary of CBC Companies in Columbus, Ohio. In 1990, Terry and his family relocated from Atlanta, Georgia, to North Texas, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2017.

In 1973, Terry married the love of his life, Mary Alice Binion. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage—a partnership marked by deep devotion, laughter, and shared strength.

Terry’s tenacity and will to live were especially evident in his final decade. Despite facing numerous serious health challenges—including a liver transplant due to hepatitis A, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the brain, Parkinson’s disease, and a traumatic brain injury in April 2025—he fought valiantly to stay with those he loved. His determination to remain present with his family is a testament to his strength, grit, and love.

Terry was a lifelong learner and had many passions. He played guitar and sang, enjoyed photography, writing original manuscripts, traveling the world, and reading—especially about history. He loved languages and spoke fluent German. Above all, he cherished time with his family and had a heart for giving to those in need.

Terry was especially devoted to his grandchildren. He and Mary Alice made it a priority to be present for school concerts, sporting events, and milestones in their lives. They created treasured memories through vacations together and took great pride in celebrating each grandchild’s accomplishments. Terry was honored at multiple Veterans Day celebrations at their schools over the years—an experience he held dear. His role as a grandfather was one he embraced wholeheartedly, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Alice Binion; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Anastasia “Stacey” and Daniel Allen; grandchildren, Austin Crow, Carter Simone, and Tessa Allen; and great-grandson, Walker Simone. He also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Elaine Binion; sister and brother-in-law, Valerie and Bill Baldowski; niece and nephew-in-law, Heather and Daniel Almond; and nephews, Reid Binion and Dillon Baldowski.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Lamar and Pearl Binion, and his brother, Richard.

Though quiet and reserved, Terry had a commanding presence, a kind and generous heart, and a quick wit—always ready with a well-timed joke. He was honest, trustworthy, disciplined, and never one to cut corners. One of his favorite sayings was: “Always give 110%, whatever you're doing—whether work or play—and if you can't, then don't commit.” He lived by those words in every facet of his life.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025. A reception for friends and family will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th St, Plano, TX 75074. A police escort will then accompany the family to the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211, for a military burial service at 3:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation or Disabled Veterans Foundation in Terry’s memory.

Terry will be remembered most for his warm smile, unwavering love, and the quiet strength that carried him—and those around him—through life’s greatest trials. His legacy of love, loyalty, and perseverance lives on in the family and friends who were blessed to know him.