Obituary for Terry Franklin Deese
Terry Franklin Deese, 69, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 at his home in Newton. Terry was born to Noah Wilmon Deese and Nellie Punch Deese on Tuesday, May 12th, 1953.
Upon graduation from Newton-Conover High School in 1971, Terry attended the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He later joined the United States Air Force serving as an Airman in the Communication Squadron, (AFCS) from 1974 - 1977. In 1983, he attained a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Catawba Valley Community College. He also received a certificate for Electrical Product Servicing in 1984 and a certificate for Robotics in 1986. From that time until his passing, Terry worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Transportation Systems Specialist. Throughout his career, Terry received many recognitions for his long-term service with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Aside from his lifelong dedication to his work, Terry was an excellent cook. He expressed his love by preparing home-style foods for his family and friends and delighted in seeing their faces when they tasted it. He found joy in canning and freezing and always shared with others.
Terry was infamous in grocery stores. Shoppers knew to "watch out" because he was coming in search of a deal!
Store workers knew they had better have those rain checks ready!
An excellent dog trainer, Terry always said that as long as you have a piece of hot dog in your pocket, they will listen and obey. He had a generous heart and was quick to give help to those in need. Terry will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were blessed to have been in his family and in his circle of friends. He will truly be missed.
In addition to his father, Noah Wilmon Deese, his mother, Nellie Punch Deese, and his step-mother, Florence Travis Deese, Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Jennifer (Kay) Morgan, and brothers, Larry Punch, Jim McLeod, and Tony Travis.
Surviving Terry are his daughters, Jeanna Deese of Denver, Joanie Hollar and husband Jonathan of Newton, grandchildren Noelle Hollar and Elijah Hollar of Newton, former wife Shelby Deese of Newton, sister, Treva Hager (Pete) of Conover, brothers, Gary Travis of Shelby and Randy Travis (Margaret) of Newton, and several special cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Terry was a dedicated caregiver to his wife, Kay, throughout her long battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The American Brain Tumor Association online at: bit.ly/DonateABTA or via mail:
The American Brain Tumor Association
8550 W. Bryn Ave. #550
Chicago, IL 60631
In honor of Terry's life, the family will announce a memorial event at a later date.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Deese family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.
Upon graduation from Newton-Conover High School in 1971, Terry attended the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He later joined the United States Air Force serving as an Airman in the Communication Squadron, (AFCS) from 1974 - 1977. In 1983, he attained a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Catawba Valley Community College. He also received a certificate for Electrical Product Servicing in 1984 and a certificate for Robotics in 1986. From that time until his passing, Terry worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Transportation Systems Specialist. Throughout his career, Terry received many recognitions for his long-term service with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Aside from his lifelong dedication to his work, Terry was an excellent cook. He expressed his love by preparing home-style foods for his family and friends and delighted in seeing their faces when they tasted it. He found joy in canning and freezing and always shared with others.
Terry was infamous in grocery stores. Shoppers knew to "watch out" because he was coming in search of a deal!
Store workers knew they had better have those rain checks ready!
An excellent dog trainer, Terry always said that as long as you have a piece of hot dog in your pocket, they will listen and obey. He had a generous heart and was quick to give help to those in need. Terry will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were blessed to have been in his family and in his circle of friends. He will truly be missed.
In addition to his father, Noah Wilmon Deese, his mother, Nellie Punch Deese, and his step-mother, Florence Travis Deese, Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Jennifer (Kay) Morgan, and brothers, Larry Punch, Jim McLeod, and Tony Travis.
Surviving Terry are his daughters, Jeanna Deese of Denver, Joanie Hollar and husband Jonathan of Newton, grandchildren Noelle Hollar and Elijah Hollar of Newton, former wife Shelby Deese of Newton, sister, Treva Hager (Pete) of Conover, brothers, Gary Travis of Shelby and Randy Travis (Margaret) of Newton, and several special cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Terry was a dedicated caregiver to his wife, Kay, throughout her long battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The American Brain Tumor Association online at: bit.ly/DonateABTA or via mail:
The American Brain Tumor Association
8550 W. Bryn Ave. #550
Chicago, IL 60631
In honor of Terry's life, the family will announce a memorial event at a later date.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Deese family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.