Terry was born on December 11, 1955 in Fort Thomas, Kentucky to his parents Clinton and Edith. Terry grew up with his 4 siblings: Judy, Fred, Clint, and Lecia. As a young boy, Terry tragically lost his father, Clinton, in 1965. Later, his mother married Larry Chowning who loved and guided Terry like he was his own. Terry was baptized in the Church of Christ as an adolescent.
It was in 1973 when Terry moved to Texas with his large dream, immense drive, and dedication. Here he continued to build his life and welcome his children: Terrence “Terry” Lynn Tunning II (1973), Tamara Kay (1976), Tonya Michelle (1978), Candace Brittany (1988), Taylor Nicole (1995), and Toby Austin (1998).
In 2005, Terry’s heart and family grew even larger when he married his beloved wife Gretchen Kuehne. Blending their lives together, Terry embraced the role of a devoted father to Kelsey and Paige. Terry proved that family is defined entirely by love and loyalty.
Terry enjoyed listening to Elvis, coaching his children in youth sports, being a part of the Bonnie Belle Booster Club, attending his grandchildren's events, traveling, hunting, and boating with his family. He was a lifetime member of The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a former president of the Texas Offshore Performance Powerboat Squadron (TOPPS).
Terry’s loyalty did not stop at just family. At seventeen years old he worked for Air Control in Houston, Texas with his brother and worked his way to lead mechanic. He completed the Pipe Fitters 211 Apprentice program while working and raising a family. This then led to a lifetime career of 53 years in the HVAC industry that was inspired by his father Clint and brother Fred. Terry found joy as an owner of a mechanical contracting business and serving his community while building relationships that would last a lifetime.
Terry’s legacy of strength and unwavering standards lives on through his large and loving family.
He is survived by his wife, Gretchen Tunning, his children, and their spouses: Terry Tunning II (Katherine Tunning), Tammy Fincher (William Fincher), Tonya Storenski (Sam Storenski), Candace Bennett (Dustin Bennett), Kelsey Brown (Clay Brown), Taylor Tunning, Paige Tunning, and Toby Tunning (Siana Tunning).
Following his children and their spouses, he leaves behind 19 grandchildren and six great grandchildren with another on the way: Shelbie, Nicholas, Tanner, Katie, Savannah, Victoria, Jordan, Terrence “Trey” III, Nick, Cayden, Kelby, Carter, Luke, Camden, Tripp, Harper, Gracelynn, Colter, Teagan, Hayes, Blake, Wynston, Sterling, Reese, and Stetson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Tunning, Edith and Larry Chowning, his brother Fred Tunning, father-in-law Jim Kuehne, and grandson Theokles Tunning.
A visitation for Terry will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home located at 801 Teas Rd. Conroe, TX 77303. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM with a graveside service to follow. Pallbearers will be Nick Fincher, Tanner Tunning, Carter Fikac, Kelby Storenski, William Fincher, and Sam Storenski, with honorary pallbearers Dustin Bennett and David Tunning.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association.
As Terry reunites with his loved ones, we take comfort knowing he has found peace, as his favorite singer, Elvis Presley, once sang:
“There will be peace in the valley for me… oh, Lord, I pray… There'll be no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble... There will be peace in the valley for me”
