He was born on June 29, 1961, in Rockford, IL to Clifford and Sandra (Duty) Sopher.
He married Mary C. Hilst on October 9, 1996, in Pekin, IL. She survives.
Terry is also survived by one son, Douglas D. Hilst, of Peoria, IL, two sisters, Wendy (Terry) Melaga of Peoria Heights, IL, and Jennifer (Tracy) Stout of Florence, SC, and one brother, Chris Sopher, of Maricopa, AZ. He also had several brothers and sisters in laws, nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Shelby.
His parents, grandparents, two uncles, and one brother, Eric (Rick) Sopher, preceded him in death.
Terry was a machinist working at, and then owning and operating, Sopher Manufacturing in East Peoria, IL, for nearly 40 years. He attended Richwoods High School in Peoria, IL.
He enjoyed Ford Mustangs, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, NASCAR, Indy Car Racing, fishing, boating, camping, and traveling to locations including Florida, Las Vegas, and Arizona.
Terry was a devoted friend to so many. He held onto his friendships for many years, many dating back to his teens and childhood years.
Visitation services will be Friday, January 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N. University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604. Funeral and Burial services will be held on January 13 at 10:00 AM at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, 4601 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL, 61615. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 PM at the American Legion Post 1115, at 500 Legion Lane, East Peoria, IL, 61611.
In lieu of flowers and the absence of life insurance, memorials may be made to Mary Sopher.
