Terry Starkey

Terry J. Starkey, 63, of Bucyrus died Monday evening, July 30, 2012 at his home following a recent illness.

Terry was born June 21, 1949 in New Philadelphia to the late Joe and Irene (McGilton) Starkey. The family moved to Ashland when Terry was in grade school, and he graduated with the Ashland High School Class of 1968. While in junior high, Terry met his friend, Bill Fishpaw's big sister Linda. Life's circle reacquainted them several years after high school. Terry and Linda were then married on May 18, 1974.

The newlyweds left Ashland for Memphis where Terry worked for Schering-Plough. In 1977, Terry brought his family back to Bucyrus to be closer to home. Terry's entrepreneurial spirit was first ignited when he opened Starkey Glass Company in 1979. Due to health complications Starkey Glass was later sold. Terry then became a real estate agent and later an insurance representative. Terry worked for Martin Realty, Nationwide Insurance, as well as Garberick Realty. During that time Terry acquired and operated a variety of rental properties throughout Bucyrus. He later became the managing partner of Pinewood Apartments.

Terry was instrumental in the Bucyrus Little League as a coach and board member. He was also a Boy Scout troop leader. He held memberships in the Bucyrus Kiwanis Club, Moose Lodge 669, Elks Lodge 156, and The Golf Club of Bucyrus. He was also an avid golfer in the Cranberry Hills Men's League.

Terry is survived by Linda, his "everything" and bride of 38 years; their son, Jamuel and wife, Jennifer (Kirkland), and granddaughter, Abby of Richmond, California; twin brother, Larry (Donna) Starkey of Ashland, and sister, Phyllis (Chuck) Gretzinger of Las Vegas.

Terry will be remembered as an inspiration to everyone who met him. He was a caring provider who loved and was very proud of Jamuel, and he adored his beautiful granddaughter, Abby. He enjoyed a good round of golf, and took annual golf trips with his buddies to the Carolinas and Michigan. He enjoyed fishing, and was especially fond of his trips with friends to Lake Erie and Canada. Terry often traveled the country with his wife and their friends enjoying games of chance and adventure.

Terry was a social butterfly and a true networker. He was more than happy to talk your ear off on anything of interest. He was well-versed on subjects ranging from national and local politics, the area high school sports teams, and was also a devoted follower of the Buckeyes, Browns, Indians, and more. Terry prided himself on operating his businesses with honesty and reliability. He also took great pleasure in caring for his vegetable garden and watching old movies, especially those with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood.

Never did Terry take his gift of life for granted. He was a strong advocate for organ and tissue donation, having been a kidney recipient following renal failure in 1989. He was often called upon to speak on behalf of organ donation to local gatherings as well as area high schools.

According to his wishes, Terry's body has been cremated. The Starkey family will receive friends on Friday, August 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St. in Bucyrus. Memorial donations are suggested for LOOP (Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement) in the hope of saving lives through organ and tissue donation.



Visitation:

Friday, August 3, 2012 5-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:



No Memorial Service