Terry Lee Willis

Terry Lee Willis passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at Mountain Valley Hospice, surrounded by his loved ones, after a 10-year-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a hardworking man who dedicated his life to providing for his family and taking pride in the life he built with his own hands.

Terry was born June 15, 1947, in Gloversville, New York, to LeRoy Lester Willis and Shirley Carruthers Willis.

Terry was a lifelong logger, following in the footsteps of his father, with whom he began working in the woods at a young age. Logging was more than a job to Terry; the woods were his happy place. He spent many years working in the woods, including countless days alongside his son, Roy. His love of hard work and dedication to providing for his family became a lasting example that he passed down to his children.

On February 4, 1967, Terry married the love of his life, Geraldine Patricia Boucher Willis, after just six months together. Their love and commitment continued for nearly 60 years. Together, Terry and Geraldine built a life centered around their family and their home.

They welcomed their daughter, April Lee Willis Ferris, on November 2, 1967, followed by their son, Roy Michael Willis, on August 20, 1970. Terry was a devoted husband and father who took great pride in his family. He instilled in his children the same strong work ethic that had guided his own life: to work hard, take care of your family, and never be afraid to get your hands dirty.

Terry and Geraldine made their home in Meco, New York, where they lived together for 45 years. Terry spent years working on and adding to their home and property, much of that work done alongside his son, Roy. The home they created was a place where their family could gather and where many cherished memories were made.

Terry was a loving grandfather to Shandi Dickenson (Shawn Dickenson), Jason Clifford, Lillian Willis, Sophey Willis, and Isabelle Simek (Peyton Simek), and a proud great-grandfather to Kaleb, Madilyn, and Emma Dickenson. His family was one of his greatest sources of pride and happiness. He also shared a special love for his beloved dog, Timber, and cat, Murphy, who were faithful companions in his home.

Terry is survived by his son, Roy Willis, and daughter-in-law Cathy Willis; his daughter, April Ferris, and son-in-law Scott Ferris; his grandchildren Shandi Dickenson (Shawn Dickenson), Jason Clifford, Lillian Willis, Sophey Willis, and Isabelle Simek (Peyton Simek); and his great-grandchildren Kaleb, Madilyn, and Emma Dickenson. He is also survived by numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many cherished family friends.

Terry was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Carruthers Willis, and his father, LeRoy Lester Willis.

Terry will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his dedication to providing for those he loved, his love for the woods, and the many lessons he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was a man who found happiness in simple things: working with his hands, being in the woods, building a home, and spending time with the people and animals he loved.

Though he will be deeply missed, Terry’s legacy lives on in the family he worked so hard to provide for, the values he passed down, and the many memories made over a lifetime.

At Terry’s request, he will be cremated. A private celebration of his life will be held with his loved ones gathered together to remember, honor, and celebrate the life he lived.