Last updated on July 20, 2022
Terry Ray Mathews passed away peacefully at his home in the company of close friends on the morning of June 8th, 2022. He was born to Reba Ann Perkins (née Francis) on December 25th, 1951 in Oceanside, CA. He grew up in Sachse, TX, graduating from Garland High School in 1970.
Growing up, he was an active member of 4-H. His passions there would continue into adulthood, owning a beloved horse named Moe (because he was as stubborn as his Three Stooges namesake) and enjoying rides in the countryside with friends and family. In young adulthood, he loved to stunt ride dirt-bikes and go on hunting and camping road trips across the country with his friends.
He cherished his community of friends, most of whom he shared life-long relationships with. Every weekend was a chance to spend time with them and their families at a cookout or on some get-away adventure. He loved to water ski and hit out on the lake with his son, Chris.
As a father, he encouraged his son’s character, sense of humor, and exploration of the world. Together they rode roller coasters, went to movies, shot off model rockets, and camped out under the stars. They loved spending the Fourth of July together and (safely) playing with fireworks. He loved his son, and did everything he could to be the father he never had.
In 1987, without a college degree, he took a chance and re-directed himself away from warehouses and low-end industrial work to the world of IT staff recruitment. This began a thirty-year career in the field that would see him joining with friends in 1999 to start Odyssey Information Services. The business flourished and in 2008 he retired in comfort to build his dream home on twelve acres in Royse City. He enjoyed his days riding motorcycles, tending his land, and taking care of Rowdy, a rambunctious, companionable dog he loved to hate.
His sly, straight-shooting wit and humble charm made any back porch better. He found humor easily and was never above making himself the errant fool in his own stories. Of stories, he was a casual expert in delivery, often concluding with his eruptive, infectious laughter.
His camaraderie and thoughtful counsel will be missed. Many knew him as a trustworthy, reliable friend who would responsibly come to their aid. They could count on Terry.
Terry is survived by his son, Christopher Terry Mathews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, June 30, 2022, at The Gathering at Rest Haven Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to the Sarcoma Foundation of America: https://www.curesarcoma.org/donate/
