Vernon O’Neal Terry, 75, of West Point, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at his residence.
He was born on September 27, 1947, in Moulton, Alabama, to the late James W. and Mary L. (Martin) Terry. He was a high school graduate and served honorably in the United States Army Infantry from December 1966-1968, including one year in Vietnam. On September 18, 1965, he married Geri Terry (formerly Bundrick) in Lafayette, and she survives. He retired after 40 years from Fairfield Manufacturing, where he worked in the Turning Department. He was a member of the American Legion Post #11 in Lafayette.
Vernon loved being outside on warm sunny days. That was where he was happiest. He was a Turner Classic Movie fan—especially the old ones. He was an amazing gardener, sharing his tomatoes and herbs. He shared his bounty with everyone. He loved to plant and watch things grow, then look forward to tasting the first of his crops. Vernon enjoyed target shooting and had recently started making walking sticks. He and his dog, Sam, would go on walks in our woods with Werther’s candies for the two of them in the middle of the night with his walking stick in hand and headlight on. Sam would get two if he was good.
Vernon’s favorite saying was, “You have to keep on humping!”
Along with his wife, Geri, he is survived by his son, James Vernon Terry of Lafayette, his four grandchildren, Kala Lynn (and Damion) and James Payton (of Lafayette), Leah Monroe and Hayden Connell (of Denver), his great-granddaughter, Juniper—whom he called June (of Lafayette) his sister-in-law, Colleen and her children (of Florida), daughter-in-law, Anjetta (Denver), his five nieces, Michelle, Rachel, Sandy, Tina and Rachel, his fishing partner, brother-in-law and friend, Don Bundrick, his sister-in-law, Bettie Schaefer and his German Shepherd, Sam.
In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his sons, Scott O’Neal and Marc Monroe Terry, and two brothers, Dwight and James B. Terry.
Private services will be held. Please share memories and leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com.