Morris Lloyd Terry

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(March 23, 1950 – Aug. 1, 2016)

Morris — beloved partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend — was born in Powell, the fourth child to James R. and Alyce M. (Moerkerke) Terry on March 23, 1950. Morris died in Billings, Montana, of post-operative complications August 1, 2016, he was 66. Morris fought hard the whole time.

Morris graduated in 1968 from Powell High school. He almost immediately began his life-long career in the oil industry. So what started as a pump repair man in Cody would eventually take him to Four Corners, New Mexico, as a top tool salesman. And then with the crash of the oil industry, so went his career. But as the cycle goes, the industry recovered and this time Morris entered the fray on the drilling side of the business. This soon proved to be a perfect fit for Morris. The fast paced, loud, and arguably most dangerous aspect of the industry seemed to fit Morris’ similar personality, and so turned out to be a lifelong career. Throughout the years, his drilling career took him from the Permian Basin in West Texas, the Gulf Coast, North Dakota, Colorado, Eastern Nevada, Michigan and Wyoming.

His boisterous personality and larger-than-life manner made Morris and his crews “things of legends” far and wide for those in the industry. The boom and bust cycle of the oil industry seemed, to many who knew him, to describe his life. Morris never met a man he didn’t know. He has been described as: lucky, handsome, charming, silver-tongued, kind and caring, funny or scary, crazy, mean, loud and obnoxious. He was a man who loved to live life as full and as fast as he could possibly make it, and whenever possible, on his own terms.

Some of his most treasured times were spending time in the mountains with friends and family, in particular with his sons. If a friend or family member had a big adventure planned, whether a pack trip, boating, hunting, or fishing, Morris would be there with bells on his toes. And somehow, almost assured, before the adventure was over something “epic” would happen, he would be there, and usually to no fault of his own, in true “Morris” style, he would be right smack in the middle of it! Damn, he was entertaining, to a fault it seemed! You simply never knew if you were going to be in complete awe of him, mad, scared to death, hiding out somewhere or laughing so hard you could fall over. The nieces and nephews would always say with enthusiasm to their guests “Wait until you meet Uncle Morris!” It was never a true family gathering unless Uncle Morris was present; he was always the main attraction. Oh, how they admired that big man in the big black cowboy hat with the biggest trucks, biggest horses and the biggest, softest heart — especially for old dogs, children and brandy.

Morris was preceded in death by both of his parents Jim and Alyce Terry of Powell.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, and life partner Debbie Jo Terry, his three sons, Tanner (Carrie) Terry of Long View, TX, Trevor (Heather) Terry of Nacogdoches, TX, Travis Terry of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Grandchildren; Noah, Bethany, James, Jonah and Jakob; five siblings James (Gail) Terry of Cody, WY, Julianne (James) Bonner of Casper, WY, Linda (James) Bush of Red Lodge, MT, Bill Terry of Kane, WY and Patrick Terry of Wasilla, AK. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the Powell Elks Lodge #2303. Please come grab a bite to eat, tip a glass, tell a tale or two and have a Wake that would make Morris proud!

Morris requested that for those of you who might want to lighten your wallets, donations should be made to the Moyer Animal Shelter in Powell (638 W. North St.) OR simply buy an out of work oilfield hand a shot!

Condolences can be sent to Debbie Terry, P.O. Box 224, Powell, WY 82435, email: dterry02@yahoo.com or to Bill Terry 443 W. Coulter Ave Powell, WY 82435, email: billgterry52@gmail.com or call 307-254-0595.

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