Telford "Tally" Terry

1939-2018

Telford Terry lived in Napa, CA with his wife, Roberta, and beloved dog, Sadie. He passed away peacefully March 8, 2018 at the age of 79. He was born on February 9, 1939 in Sacramento, CA to Ernest and Muriel (Blanks) Terry; he grew up in Richmond, CA with his brothers, Ernie and Rich, and sister, Donna. He met Roberta (Perkins) at Richmond Union High School, where he graduated in 1956. They married on September 30, 1972 in Reno, NV. Soon after high school graduation he began working for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department before being drafted into the Army as an MP. After serving his country he returned to the Sheriff’s Department where he worked for another 35 years achieving the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant before retiring in 1996. His retirement years were filled with hours of tennis and visits with his friends at the coffee shop each week. He was an avid sports fan, traveling all over the country with his family and friends to watch the 49ers play. He loved his family and the Thanksgiving traditions they all shared: laughing, playing cribbage, drinking wine, and having dinner together.

He is predeceased by his parents, Muriel and Ernest, brothers, Ernie and Rich, and brother-in-law, Frank DeLong. He is survived by his wife, Roberta, daughter, Karla Coleman, son-in-law, Jay Coleman, grandchildren, Zachary, Kaetlin, Khloe, and Mason, as well as his beloved sister, Donna DeLong, sisters-in-law Betty and Joan, and many nieces and nephews, who thought the world of him.

Services will take place at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa on Wednesday, March 14. Viewing will be in the Chapel from 9-10:45, with services at 11, interment to follow. Join Tally’s family and friends following the burial at the Tulocay Reception Center for what he loved most, a great meal, great wine, and being with loved ones. 

The family would like to thank the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the UCSF ALS team and would like you to consider a donation on his behalf.

He was an amazing man. He did it his way.

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