Terry Lee

Darland

Terry Lee Darland was born September 21, 1947, in Electra, Texas. He made his home in Fort Worth, Texas, where he shared 48 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elnora "Susie" Darland. Together, they weathered life's many ups and downs, building a life and family along the way.

Terry proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His time in Vietnam exposed him to many difficult and heartbreaking experiences, and he carried those memories with him throughout his life. His service and sacrifices are an important part of his story, and his family will always be proud of the time he gave to his country.

After his military service, Terry built a career as a mechanic and eventually retired. He was a man with many interests and a personality that was hard to forget. He loved joking around and making people laugh, always ready with a joke or something to bring a smile to someone's face. He enjoyed tinkering around in his barn, working in the yard, watching his favorite westerns, and cheering on his beloved Texas Longhorns (Hook 'Em Horns!). He enjoyed word-find puzzles, traveling in his younger years, and collecting just about anything that caught his eye. If you knew Terry, you probably knew about his collections!

Family was an important part of Terry's life. He was especially grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with his children, JD, Tonya, and Terry Dale, after many years apart. Having them back in his life brought him a great deal of happiness, and he truly cherished the opportunity to rebuild those relationships and make new memories together. In his later years, those closest to him saw a softer, more affectionate side of Terry, and the closeness they shared became something to treasure.

Terry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Elnora "Susie" Darland; his children, John David Darland, Tonya Elizabeth Gonzales, Terry Dale Darland, and Stephanie Lee Sager; his grandchildren, Abby Elise Sager, Gage Lee Sager, Marissa Danielle Darland, Michael Dale Darland, Joshua Andrew Gonzales, Khristy Wilson, Shawna Rene` Darland, Andrew Gonzales, Angel Rasheo Childers, LaShae Elizabeth Akkerman, and Travis Akkerman; and his great-grandchildren, Adrian Allen, Maci Barcenas, Madi Barcenas, Addalynn Dunn, Brantley Wilson, Ava Marie White, Ryan Lee Coventry, Jason Lee Barnett, Journii Elizabeth Barnett, Renea Elizabeth Akkerman, Isayah Ryan Akkerman, Kourtlyn De'Shun Johnson, Kameron Deon Johnson, Korbyn Jermaine Johnson, Baltazar Esparza Johnson, Sarah Elizabeth Akkerman, and Jeremy Wayne Akkerman; his sisters, Myrna Walker, Gaye Irby, and Dava Darland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter David Darland and Dona Mae Darland, and his sister, Emma (Darland) McKelva.

Terry leaves behind a family who will remember his humor, stories, many interests, and the memories made over a lifetime. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him