Terry Wright Gibbons

Terry Wright Gibbons lived a life full of love, hard work, and just the right amount of fun. He was a man of deep character, who left behind a legacy that will be cherished by his family and all who knew him.

Terry was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Shelton Lovejoy and Temperance “Temp” George (Wright) Gibbons. He grew up in Arlington Heights, graduated from Arlington Heights High School, and as an active member of The Boys Scouts, attained Eagle Scout status. Terry started his college education at Texas Tech University. He met Elsie in Fort Worth in the 1960’s and in 1968 she boldly traveled to Alaska, where Terry was stationed to serve his county in the U.S. Army. Both of their children, Julie and Kevin, were born in Alaska where they continued to live until 1973, and Terry helped to support his family by utilizing his favorite skill and hobby, playing pool.  That skill and hobby would bring him joy, and too many trophies to count, over the course of his entire life.

After Terry started his career in corporate sales with IBM, he soon realized his true passion was in building and creating. Following his heart, he pursued a successful 20+ year career in residential remodeling, specializing in kitchen and bath design. He loved his work and the joy it brought to others.

In 1984 they bought their cherished “cabin” on Lake Weatherford.  Julie a sophomore in high school, a mere 16, and Kevin was just a freshman, at only 14.  Even at only 330 sq ft, that tiny house, on that not so big lake, brought much joy not only to Terry and Elsie, but also to literally dozens and dozens of their extended family, their friends, and the many friends of their children.  The only big ticket item Terry ever bought “brand new” was the 25 foot, 17-passenger Bennington Pontoon (tri-toon) inboard/outboard party boat.  He loved to show-off its beauty and power, and sling his children’s friends off the 6-person commercial “banana” he pulled behind it, at great speed.  More fun and memories for many who knew Terry and Elsie were made at their “slice of heaven” than anywhere else.  Terry was able to live the last part of this life at a rental home on that very lake. 
 

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, during the real estate crisis, Terry and Elsie saw opportunity where others saw loss. Together, they purchased and managed their properties, home to over 30 families becoming dedicated landlords who treated tenants with fairness and care. Their commitment to their tenants earned them recognition as “Landlords of the Year” and lasting friendships with many who rented from them.

With all their hard work, and as much as they loved the lake house, Terry and Elsie finally found true relaxation at their time-share condo in Puerto Vallarta, where for more than a decade they made their semi-annual retreat for 3 weeks each time. They very often entertained family and good friends on those adventures.  Once they even brought their late 80s-years-old mothers with them, and the “old ladies” had the most fun on the full day tequila tour!  Many great memories were made on those trips, where they were finally able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Terry and Elsie were blessed with two children, and later six granddaughters, whom he loved. All six granddaughters graduated from college—an achievement he was proud to proclaim. Terry himself was most proud to proclaim he attained not only two bachelor’s degrees but also an MBA, Suma Cum Laude from UNT, while helping raise children, working part-time, and taking 21 hours each semester.

The greatest heartbreak of his life came with the passing of Elsie on March 31, 2019, over 51 years of marriage. He managed through those difficult years that followed with courage, supported by family and devoted caregivers. Despite enduring his own health challenges, Terry remained resilient and grateful. Surrounded by love, he was able to spend his final years at home, 15 months on the lake, and on his own terms, with 24-hour care and the dignity of comfort.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elsie, and his brothers Don “Hoot” Gibbons and Robert “Bob” Gibbons. He is survived by his children, daughter, Julie Rosenthal, son Kevin and his wife Jennifer Gibbons, and by his beloved granddaughters: Regan Rosenthal, Natalie Rosenthal, Elizabeth Gibbons, Isabel Gibbons, Olivia Gibbons, and Audrey Gibbons.

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