A private memorial service for Royce Earl Terry, 87, of Ringwood, formerly of Chickasha, was held at the First Baptist Church of Enid on Saturday, January 30, 2021 with Martin Perryman officiating.
Royce Earl Terry was born February 21, 1933 in Big Spring, Texas, the son of Benjamin Earl Terry and Margaret Jewel (Benton) Terry. He died on Thursday, January 28, 2021 in Enid, Oklahoma.
Royce lost his arm at 13 years old, when a semi-truck ran over him while he was airing up his bicycle on the shoulder of the road. After his recovery, his father refused to treat him any different than the rest of the kids, driving home the belief that he could do anything…. he just had to figure it out. As a young man he became a certified mirror welder at Yuba Manufacturing in Benicia, California. As an experienced welder he worked on the first atomic submarine at Mare Island Shipyard.
In 1965, he entered the insurance business working for The Equitable, where he eventually became District Manager. While there, he received Million Dollar Roundtable designation for several years in a row. In 1972, he left California and moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma where he established Royce Terry Insurance as an independent insurance broker. He was inducted into the Equitable Hall of Fame in 1987. Royce actively serviced his clients up to his death.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, riding and training horses and mules, welding, but most of all he enjoyed trading. It’s been said by his buddies that “he could trade you out of your shorts…and you still in them.”
Royce was extremely proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was married to the love of his life for 68 years. As the patriarch of the family, he was a natural protector and provider. Royce leaves a legacy that is a result of his relationship with Christ. Consequently, he poured himself and Christ’s love into countless lives through his mentorship, teaching Sunday School, preaching on select occasions and servicing his clients. If Royce touched your life, you are part of his legacy.
He was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Earl Terry; mother Margaret Jewel Terry; brothers Benjamin Murel Terry and Buford Terry; sister Maurine Terry; and grandson Austin Wayne Elkins.
Survivors include his wife Joy Leneta Terry of Ringwood; daughters Deborah Joy Johnson of Chickasha and Sharon Evonne Elkins of Lahoma; son Royce Michael Terry and wife Rebecca of Ringwood; grandchildren Richard “Neil” Johnson of Independence, Missouri, April Pitts of Enid, Crystal M. Johnson of Dallas, Texas, Kevin D. Johnson of Houston, Texas, Curtis J. Terry of Fostoria, Michigan, Michael D. Terry of Enid, Paige E. Lee of Enid, James D. Terry of San Antonio, Texas, Kristina Meredith of Chickasha, Bailee J. Terry of Ringwood, and Kaden W. Terry of Ringwood; twelve great-grandchildren; and other extended family and friends.
Interment was in Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.