Terry was a wonderful person.  He gave more to others than he ever receiveda.  I met Terry through his parents in Denton Texas.  Terry was already in Nashville.  Jan was in West Texas and Joy in Pennsylvania. 
Edward and Gertrude adopted my wife Linda and I as family in Denton.  Tim added us as family as Jan and Joy did.  Terry never missed a birthday for my wife Linda  myself and when our children were born he sent cards each year to them.
I still have his album as a prized position. 
His warmth goes on.
Dave Howes

I found this man on kwmt and that was it for me. I has been listening to country for years but Terry's music is the best. We all have to go but I was hoping to see him one last. The best music out there. Rip God bless

Sorry to hear about Terry's passing, and the late message as we just found out. Terry was one of my dad's favorite singers, going to many festivals, enjoyed his newsletters, and always enjoyed the personal phone calls. There is very few times in my life that I have seen him emotional,  but his music spoke to him. One of his best memories is of my daughters dancing to the little brown dog and the little green frog. My dad didn't know about Terry's passing, but Im sure he was surprised to be welcomed by him. My dad requested The Far Side Banks of Jordan to be played at his funeral. He passed away in April.

I was heartbroken to find out I would never get to attend his concerts again. I consider him one of the best singers and songwriters. I have seen a lot of top names and he is right up there. Thanks fo great music. Velita Cox

Terry Smith was a great friend of my husband and me.  At his festivals when he knew we were there, he always sang the song, " As a rule", for my husband and the song, "I can't fix it but I know someone who can" for me.  This song is deeply emotional for me as I used it while going through chemo for breast cancer.  We want to let his family know that we greive for him too as Terry was always willing to visit with us and we enjoyed him so much!  May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus and our lord!  From Don & Genice Berns.

HEAVENLY FARE WELL TO A GREAT MUSICIAN AND SINGER AND A GREAT SUPPORTER FOR THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM IN GEORGIANA, AL. AND HE WAS A GREAT SONG WRITER TOO. CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

I met Terry first when I was 12 years old.  He was the best catcher I ever had and he often threw the ball back to me harder than I did to him. He was a most wonderful person. I have his music cd,s that I treasure.  We had a long and wonderful visit at our 60th class reunion. The world took a dip when it lost Terry.

I sent a couple messages but none were posted. Donald Ewert donaldewert80@gmail.com

I first met Terry at the June 1994 Michigan Jamboree in Hillsdale, Mi. We've been friends ever since and encountered each other numerous times at music festivals in Iowa over the years, not to mention my sleeping over at his house and enjoying his wonderful cooking, as well. Terry was straight forward sincere person and, two years my senior, he's sent me a birthday card every year we've known each other.

We enjoyed, many times, when Terry came to our park in Mission, TX and sang so many good songs, which we enjoyed.  I bought a children's book which he authored, and I gave it to my grandchild.  Terry will be missed by so many.
Bill & Sandy Horning
Altoona, IA

So very sorry to hear of Terry's passing. I was able to see him perform many times and also visit with him . He was a great songwriter and he inspired many people. Rip Terry,  you will be missed by many.

Me at Terry’s after driving from Florida to meet up at Terry's’  to visit Terry and my parents from Bakersfield California. Great times. Sure miss my parents, they’re both in heaven’ they will be waiting for Terry’ my mom sure liked Terry’s song Far Side Banks Of Jordon. Jimmy Weimer Burley.

My mother Thelma Smith  Weimer’ Terrys Aunt we all had a great time visiting Terry.

My dad Howard Weimer’ Terry’s uncle visiting Terry.

Terry was a great person and songwriter.  Obviously loved performing and having fun with his fans abd friends. 
Anytime he saw me or my sister at a show, he would do the song our father really loved called "keep your fork". Another talented person gone. May he rest in peace.

Saw Terry at SO many shows through the years. He always put on a great one, great music mixed with humor. Last saw him late September 2024 in Atlantic, IA. He looked and acted as good as ever, his voice was strong. He almost always gave me a hug. Very personable, very friendly guy and his memory for names was amazing. Going to miss this guy. I am glad I have all his CD's but it's not the same.

So sorry for your loss. I met Terry in La Marrs Iowa. I recorded Far Side Banks Of Jordan.  May the God of all comfort be your portion during this time.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ayc9SPPtIg&si=uM5qCeMm9E7Zl50I

A like to "Far Side Banks of Jordan" on YouTube Music. 🥰🙂

My last visit to his house and he got to meet his great-nephews Eli and Wyatt. ❤️❤️

A precious memory of Terry and all of our family.

Terry was a great inspiration to me. he was my cousin. his mother and father’ and are granny Smith in Denton Texas helped me a lot through life. I always looked forward to seeing Terry on are visits to both Texas and Tennessee. My mother Thelma Weimer and father Howard Weimer loved Terry’ and as myself was proud of him. he will be missed a lot. James weimer Burley. Cousin.

My sincere sympathy to the family and all friends of Terry Smith!  Those of us who have known him for a long time will miss his music immensely!  He was such a personable fellow and loved to visit and get to know his fans as friends!  Thank you Terry for all those precious CD’s and memories through the years!  On The Far Side Banks Of Jordan, you will be waiting for the rest of us!  Bless be the memory of Terry S. Smith!  
Mary Franzen

Terry far left, with brother-in-law Cecil Randall Walker in the middle, Terry's brother Tim on the far right, and the Walker kids, Steven, Eric, Lisa and David.

I was so sorry to hear about Terry in the hospital. And now of his passing. His faith was great I know he is with the Lord now. But I pray for those left behind that he loves so much. I pray Jesus Will comfort you and give you great peace that comes only from the holy Spirit. Can't say that you can just get through it,  it will be with you always as he will be with you always. The memories are cherished now and will always be a part of your your life and in your heart. I'm so thankful for Terry's friendship I will miss him as many will. 
Rayne Magill

I wanted to share one thing with you too. I'll never forget the day Terry came up to me and said come here after you get off stage. When I did he wanted me to show him how to play one of the songs I was doing on stage. One called the San Antonio stroll. Terry and I had many talks that were meaningful and special. He was a wonderful friend I will cherish the time I had with him. Praise God for he now is in Jesus arms

A visit from Terry and his sister Jan to our home in Pennsylvania. In this picture, Terry had said something incredibly hilarious and someone was lucky enough to capture the moment! 🤣🤣

Terry with his two sisters Joy in the middle, and Jan on the far left in our home in Pennsylvania.

Terry fussing with a camera many years ago at our home in Pennsylvania, this photo taken of him by surprise 🙂

Terry with his great nephew Ryan playing music together.

Terry was a great musician, performer, and songwriter.  I saw him at many music festivals over the last 30 years. He was usually the top draw at these festivals and his performances  were always the best most watched! Will miss him.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Terry. A most interesting  and creative man.    The Judge and Elaine. Mission Texas

We have lost an incredibly talented songwriter, musician, friend, and an all-around good man.  He will be missed deeply by many.  Please know that his family and friends will be in our prayers, thoughts, and memories.  We will be looking for him to be "drawing pictures in the sand" when we cross to the Far Side Banks of Jordan. God Bless and rest in peace.   The Jacob Austin Band

I am so grateful to have had Terry in my life and to have known him. The love and the laughs are immeasurable. I will forever remember the many talks at the kitchen table, the lessons, the lectures, the shared love for animals, word puzzles, poetry, learning, and literature. He will be missed deeply and is loved so dearly.

Thank you Terry for the music you have written and for the artists you have inspired over your wonderful career.  It was a pleasure to know you and see you when you came to Le Mars or Wahoo.  Rest in peace.

A news article written about Terry's success as a singer and song writer, who by 2018, had written over 2,000 songs and some had been sung by many famous artists.

Terry dancing with his niece Lisa Hester at her wedding.

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Love you.

Praying for all of you... I know it's hard and you can never prepare for something like this love you

We own every album Terry made a talked just a few weeks ago.I will miss him, but I have his music a what a writer!!! I will be listening to every song thru Friday God Bless him. Terry knew him well.  Sgt Randy Galehouse Lake Orion Michigan

God bless a great song writer a teacher a friend!!! Sgt Randy Galehouse an wife Nicole

OBITUARY

Terry Stephen Smith

December 5, 1944 – January 21, 2025

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Celebration of Life

Committal Service