Terry Don Adkins

Terry Don Adkins, age 68, left his earthly world on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at home, smiling and started his heavenly journey with his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Terry’s life will be celebrated with a service on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Dr. Eddie Chennault officiating, assisted by the Pastor Brady Martin of Temple Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Mount Zion Cemetery, in Collinsville, Texas.

Terry was born in Gainesville, Texas on July 6, 1949, to David "Woody" and Bernice (Cox) Adkins. He married his loving wife, Peggy Kelly on February 17, 1979, in Gainesville, Texas. He was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran serving in Korea. He loved his country, the outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, golfing, and hunting. He played Tuesday golf with his T.I. buddies and greatly enjoyed playing with his brother Ron and nephew Craig. He loved history, western’s and always had a book open. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid blood donor and participated in Relay for Life for many years.

Terry attended and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1967. Shortly after he enlisted in the Air Force serving in Korea as Master Sargent working as a mechanic on the planes. He was proud of his service and would always shed a tear when he would hear our National Anthem. After returning home he attended Cooke County College, graduating with a double degree in Business & Machine Shop. He was a dedicated machinist working at National Supply until it closed then beginning a career at Texas Instruments. He spent 26 years working at T.I. where he was part of a team that developed a process that was later patented. He was always the first one to arrive and loved his job. During his time at T.I. he developed many lifelong friendships.

During his illness “Dad” never complained. He told us it was a bump in the road and that he would be OK no matter what. He was preceded in death by parents, Woody and Bernice Adkins and Sister Linda Faye. He is happy to reunite with his fur buddy, Timmy Don, who spent every moment by his side. Terry is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Peggy Adkins. His “girls” Krissa and husband, Tim Klement of Gainesville, Traci and husband, Nate Cook of Virginia, Kristin and husband, Michael Lee of Sanger and Brita and fiancé, Thomas Hamilton of Gainesville. His buddy, Dane Coker and wife, Marie of Gainesville. His grandchildren that he loved and was so very proud of Lexie & Trever Coker, Jacob Campbell, Nathan (Trey) & Joshua Cook, and Audrey Hamilton. Brother, Ronnie Adkins and wife Carolyn of Sanger, Sister Donna and husband, Larry Partain of Gainesville, and sister in law and husband Wanda & Don Whitley. Numerous nieces, a nephew, cousins; and many beloved relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be his T.I. buddies, Jeff Horton, Travis Hladik, Steve Hughes, David Adams, and Greg Ganzer and David Tollett.

Memorial contributions may be made to Noah's Ark in Gainesville, Texas.