Terry Francis Wimmer

Terrance (Terry) Francis Wimmer was born on June 8, 1953 in Houston, Texas to Robert Francis Wimmer and Marion Wood Wimmer. He graduated in 1972 from Richland High School in Fort Worth and entered Texas Tech University. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and became Student Body President his senior year. Terry was always interested in politics and one of his proudest moments was introducing President Gerald Ford to the students and citizens of Lubbock during President Ford’s re-election campaign. If you were ever seated with him at dinner or a party, you would hear him tell the whole story and it was a long one!

Terry married his college sweetheart, Sherry Bearden, on May 21, 1977 in Houston. They moved to Dallas, Texas where Terry was hired by Texas Instruments to work in their semi-conductor division. Terry’s career included employment at Texas Instruments, Telex Computer Products, AMR Distribution (American Airlines) and finally Verizon spanning 3 states (Texas, Massachusetts and North Carolina). Terry and Sherry proudly welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Marie Wimmer in 1980; their son, Christopher Kyle Wimmer, in 1984; and their second daughter, Lori Michelle Wimmer, in 1987.

One of Terry’s greatest thrills was watching his son play soccer, and his girls march in the Fossil Ridge Panther Regiment. He enjoyed watching Texas Tech football and basketball and recently Kansas City Chiefs. Terry was an avid golfer and he and Sherry enjoyed cruising at every opportunity. According to his kids, he was a horrible dancer, but a very animated storyteller. He couldn’t talk without his hands. Terry loved dogs – especially all of our golden retrievers. He was often calmed by their love.

Terry became a Poppy when he and Sherry welcomed 9 grandchildren (Braden Connor Ridgley, Reed Michael Ridgley, Annabelle Marie Ridgley, Grant Jameson Wimmer, Madilynn Marcelle Wimmer, Brody Clayton Faught, Levi Brayson Faught, Weston James Faught, and finally Brynlee Rose Faught). These children brought such joy to him and he later lamented that he so badly wanted to watch them grow up.

After retirement from Verizon, Terry was hired by Keller ISD to be a Special Education Aide at Central High School and then Timber Creek High School. Working with the special ed students was the highlight of his career. He was a very patient, kind, and gentle person and loved those kids.

Unfortunately, Terry was diagnosed with Burkitt’s leukemia in 2009. After remission, it reoccurred as Burkitt’s Lymphoma in 2014 resulting in a bone marrow transplant. In 2022, he was once again stricken by cancer, this time in the bladder. This cancer ultimately cost him his life. We are eternally grateful to 3 Oaks Hospice and especially his nurse, Melissa Merritt, who became a part of our family and cared so greatly for Terry.

Terry was raised a Catholic and is a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Marion Wimmer; his oldest brother Mike Wimmer; and his niece Stephanie Wimmer. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sherry Wimmer, his children Lisa Ridgley (Mike), Braden, Reed, Annabelle; Chistopher Wimmer (Lynnsey), Grant, Madi; Lori Faught (Chris), Brody, Levi, Weston and Brynlee. He is also survived by his brothers Dan Wimmer (Patsy), Gary Wimmer, Greg Wimmer, Rick Wimmer, Pat Wimmer; brother-in-law Richard Bearden; mother-in-law Evelyn Chatelain; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Terry will be greatly missed by his family. We have watched him suffer for so very long and know that he is cured and at peace in our Lord’s hands. Our lives were richer with him in them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.