Michael R. Terry, age 76 of Marion, Ohio, passed away Saturday July 29, 2023 at his home among loved ones. Mike was born January 10, 1947 in Frankfort, IN, the son of Raymond M. and Millie (Wagner) Terry. He graduated from Frankfort High School with the class of 1965. He attended Ball State and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1974 with his Bachelor degree in Education. In 1983 he received his Master degree from the University of Dayton in Guidance & Counseling.
Mike was a proud Veteran of the Armed Forces serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1968-1970 and continued with the Marine Corps Reserve from 1970-1980. He then served from 1980-1996 with the Ohio Army National Guard.
On June 23, 1989 Mike was united in marriage to Carole Ann Moore. It has been said that behind every great man there’s a woman and that is certainly the case with Carole. She has been Mike’s biggest supporter, cheerleader and advocate over their years together.
Mike devoted his life to education. He taught grades 4th thru 6th from 1974 to 1985. From 1985 to 1987 he served as Middle School Principal for Columbus Grove Local Schools and Principal of Pleasant Local School District from 1987 to 2004. During those years he served on numerous boards and committees to develop curriculum, policies and more to promote education. Mike loved college football and was an avid and very enthusiastic fan of the OSU Buckeyes. Whether watching them play in person or watching them on the television he was always excited to cheer them on. He also had a fondness for model trains which was a great hobby of his. Above all it was his family that he delighted in the most, especially time spent with his grandson.
He was a loyal member of the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, Pleasant Lions Club, B.P.O. Elks, The American Legion, Loyal Order of Moose, past board member of Marion County “DARE” and the VFW.
He is survived by his beloved wife Carole Ann Terry; son Michael Ray (Nicole) Terry II; grandson Michael Ray Terry III; brother David M. (Suzann) Terry, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Sonna L. Terry and Vicki Schultz; mother-in-law Muriel Dischinger Moore; and sister-in-law Melissa Moore Hastings.
Visitation will be Friday, August 4, 2023 at Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel 360 East Center St., Marion from 10AM to 11AM; funeral service will follow at 11AM with Rev. Jennifer Bass and Doug Galloway officiating. If desired, donations may be made in Michael’s honor to Turning Point, Marion County (Ohio) Humane Society, any Army Veterans organization or the James Cancer Research Hospital. Mike’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff and doctors at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute along with Tranquility Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. The Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion, Ohio are honored to serve the Terry family; condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com or goodwinfuneralhome.com. Information provided by Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort.