As a young man, Terry was a person of many interests, friends and experiences. Many of these remained with him and influenced him throughout his life. He served in the Transportation Battalion of the California Army National Guard, and while he always loved vintage trucks, construction was the occupation in which he found his life’s calling. He began his vocation as a carpenter and framer and transitioned into the field of concrete construction. He founded Terry Tuell Concrete Inc. in the early1970’s and, while this company continues to have a robust presence in Fresno and its surrounding community, it is also remembered for its volunteer work in many needy neighborhoods.
Terry loved fishing with his friends and family, especially on his Tundra in Alaska where he provided them with wonderful memories. He also began a cattle ranch in Friant and a gold mine in Alaska.
Terry was preceded in death by his oldest son Erik and is survived by the salmon he did not catch, Catherine, his wife of over four decades and his beloved children Andrew Tuell (Jami), Jonathan Tuell, and Carrie Todd (Steven), as well as his many friends and business associates. He dearly loved his grandchildren, James Tuell, Austin Tuell, Nathaniel Tuell, Erika Todd, Emily Todd and Eli Todd.
As the fifth in the family of eight Tuell children, Terry often called himself “the oldest of the three little kids.” The other “little kids” are Daniel Tuell of Fresno and Mary Kay Rossman of Suffolk, Virginia. In addition to his parents and his son Erik, Terry was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Matthew W. Tuell III and older sister Billy J. Lay. He is survived by his older brothers Kelly of New York City, Patrick of Clear Lake, CA., and Timothy of Wethersfield, Conn.
At his request, Terry’s body was cremated. His ashes will be scattered at a later date near his son, Erik, and his favorite fishing place in Alaska “Terry’s Tundra.”
For more information on the Celebration of Terry’s life on February 27th, please contact Debra Nechvatal at: [email protected] or 559-431-0814
