Terry was born June 30, 1936, near Drewsey, to Lee and Gladys Williams. He had one brother, Alan. Terry graduated from Crane High School in 1955. After attending the College of Idaho for 1 1/2 years, he returned home to work on the family ranch.

Terry married the former Nancy Haines of Sod House in 1958. Two children were born to this union, a son, Travis, and daughter, Diane. Travis and his wife, Linda worked with Terry and Nancy on the ranch. Their children, Joshua, Tanya and Sam were the sixth generation to live on the ranch, which was acquired in 1894 by Terry’s great-grandfather, Hiram Williams. Diane and her husband, Aaron raised cattle near Pinedale, Wyo., with their children, Ruthee, Caleb and Wylee.

Terry served his community in many ways through the years. He served on the Drewsey School Board for many years. He was instrumental in getting TV transmitters for the Drewsey community. Terry was a member of the Harney County Fair Association in the years 1966-1977. He served as vice president and president in 1973, and 1974. He worked in several areas of the fair, including, horse races, 4-H livestock, and the rodeo. He was a volunteer at the rodeo every year since 1977, finally retiring in 2015.

One of Terry’s most valuable memories was winning the “Big Loop” contest with Tommy Howard in 1993. And winning the Senior team branding with Red Dunbar in 2000 and 2003. They had not roped together since 1951 when they won the team roping at a junior rodeo.

The Williams ranch was honored by the Oregon Historical Society as one of Oregon’s Century ranches.

Every year at the fair Terry cooked eggs at the Cattlewomen’s breakfast. He had been described as master egg fryer, having fried over 10,000 dozen eggs through the years. He was honored as Grand Marshal for the 76th Harney County Fair in 2000. Last fall at the 100th fair anniversary he was honored again with other past recipients and rode on a float in the parade as well as being included in the rodeo grand entry.

Terry spent many years working on “the chain gang” at CUHS football games. Terry and Nancy missed very few home games and could be heard cheering for Crane Mustangs at away games and tournaments even though the Drewsey grandkids had long since graduated. At least one trip to Wyoming a year was a must to watch Calleb and Wylee wrestle at a tournament in Rock Springs or Green River and to watch Ruthee and Diane ice skate at Figure Skating shows.

Terry, Travis, and Sam were honored as Grassman of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce banquet a few years ago. At the 103rd annual Pioneer celebration Terry was honored with title of Pioneer President.

There was a life changing event in August of 2018 when son Travis encountered a very bad pickup wreck which resulted in traumatic brain injuries. Consequently Terry and Nancy leased and then sold the ranch.

Terry spent much time in four different hospitals since mid-December. However, one event was so very special which occurred at Pioneer Place in Vale. The Crane High School basketball teams bus parked in front of his window and players came to visit with him. That was the highlight of the Year! Thanks so much for this awesome gift to him! Love our Mustangs!!!

Terry is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Travis (Linda); and daughter, Diane (Aaron) Willson; grandchildren, Joshua (Lindy), Tanya (Tom) Pozzi, Sam Williams, Ruthee, Calleb, and Wylee Willson; also great-granddaughters, Zoey Arritola and Matea Pozzi. Nephews, Marc O’Toole, Joe Williams and families; and cousin, Barbara Arnold also are family members. Terry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alan.

A funeral service for Terry will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at 11 a.m., in the Drewsey Community Hall. Vault Interment will follow at the Drewsey Cemetery.

Contributions in Terry Williams’ memory can be made to the Crane Union High School boys and girls basketball team and/or Juntura Bible Chapel.