Terry Wayne Howard

Terry Wayne Howard, born July 10, 1953, in Abilene, Texas, passed away in Beeville, Texas, on March 7, 2024, following a brief battle with lung cancer. He was the son of J.E. (Cotton) and Coleen Joy (Raper) Howard and grew up alongside his siblings in the West Texas area. His first battle with cancer was when he was 12 years old which ultimately resulted in the removal of his right eye at the age of 13. That didn’t slow him down in the least. He played football, baseball, rode and trained horses, learned guitar and lived life to the fullest. After graduating from Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, Texas, Terry continued his education at Southwest Texas State University.

A gifted musician, Terry spent part of his early years in the music industry, including a memorable stint with Willie Nelson's road crew. However, it was the oil field industry that would become his lifelong career.  While beginning as a roughneck, he worked his way up and ultimately held several managerial roles with TIW Corporation between the years of 1989 and 2020 and retired from TIW/Dril-quip in July 2020, the company was purchased by Dril-Quip prior to his retirement.

Terry’s personal life was marked by his deep love for his family. He married the love of his life, Mary Hattersley, in 1989 after years of an on-and-off relationship that began with a blind date in 1974. Together, they lived in Saudi Arabia and Houston, and traveled extensively, building lasting memories. Terry’s passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for hunting, fishing, and golfing, and he cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

In 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic kept families apart, Terry suggested that he and his siblings hold a family Zoom call every other Sunday. That tradition has continued, and just two days before his passing, Terry requested one last Zoom call for the entire family, kids and grandkids included, where they shared laughs, stories, and treasured memories. He always had a way of bringing everyone together.

Terry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary; daughters Brandie Orr (husband Rob) of Fleming Island, Florida, and Terisa Hernandez (husband Miguel) of San Antonio, Texas; six granddaughters, Alexis, Ella, Chloe, Kalie, Jaelin, and Alee; one grandson, Clay; and five siblings: sister Carla Moore of Lubbock; brothers Kent Howard (wife Cheryl) of Castroville, Tommy Howard (wife Jodie) of San Marcos, Larry Howard of Bronte, and sister Nanci Gandy (husband Geff) of Horseshoe Bay, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Birchwood of Beeville and New Century Hospice for their compassionate care of Terry and the family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date – updates will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Autism Society of Texas or the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS      

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