Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Slocum, Terry March 9, 2021 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net May 6, 2022, 1:20 pm Ionia Sentinel Standard- Sat. March 20, 2021 TERRY SLOCUM, 72 Terry "Sloke" Slocum, 72, of Greenville, Michigan, passed peacefully on Tuesday evening, March 9, 2021. Following an active day, he drifted off to sleep with his dog at his side and never woke. Born September 21, 1948, to Harvey and Beulah Slocum of Ionia, Michigan. Terry had an older half-brother, Duane D.Durkee, and from this relation a sister-in- law Shirlene, and nieces and n nephews David, Brian, Cathy and Lisa. He also had many cherished cousins including Karen Rarig and Larry "Bub" Spencer, who treated him like a big brother. Terry is survived by his wife Carolyn, his two sons, terry Slocum II and Scott Slocum both of Ann Arbor, brother-in-laws Jeff Hill of Lowell, James Hill of Ionia, Joe Hill of Lancaster, Ohio, sister-in- law, C J Hill of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and niece and nephew, Heather and Jason. On January 25, 1969, Terry married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn "Skeet" Helen Hill. The two first met at the Little League field in Ionia when they were 10 years old, his booming voice and broad smile drawing her attention. Their first date was on Terry's 16th birthday. From that day, he was always there to watch over and protect her. In the years that followed, Sloke and Skeet had two sons; Terry and Scott. He loved being a husband and father and was continuously supportive of their many school, family and professional activities. Terry was proud of his service as a medic in the U.S. Army reserve during the Vietnam War. He worked in major hospitals across the nation caring for wounded soldiers. His first job after active duty was as a minor mechanic at the Shelby automotive plant in Ionia, where he gained his notable abilities as a fix-it- man (wink). On June 22, 1970, Terry was employed as the youngest agent ever hired at Farm Bureau Insurance. He spent the next 45 years becoming one of the most trusted Insurance Agents and Financial Advisors in Montcalm County. He was especially proud of his life time membership in the Million Dollar Round Table and cherished the privilege to serve so many great clients throughout his career. While the members of the immediate family had the benefit of Terry's love and attention at home, they weren't; the only ones to experience his care and consideration. Terry was a member of many "families" over the year as, including professional business groups, seasonal deer camps, men's softball and bowling leagues, the Greenville Country Club, and Spectrum Health organization. He started most days addressing important issues with friends at morning coffee tables in Stanton and Greenville and was also a neighbor to man nearby households on Main Street in Ionia, Clay and Baldwin streets in Greenville, and most recently on Hunter Lake. More than likely, you were a part of one or more of these extended families. Terry was an energetic man who pursued many interests over the years. From a young age, Terry loved a sharp car. His first at age 16 was a '57 Chevy; black and white with red interior - a classic. At 21 years old, he won a Hurst Olds convertible pace car in a local raffle. Thought it was beautiful and quite fast, it was not an ideal 'family car' and so it was sold in order that Sloke and Skeet could afford to purchase the first new home furniture of their marriage. In his adult life, he never stopped looking for the next new vehicle and could be found outside cleaning and waxing them nearly any weekend of the year. On many occasions, when visitors left their own vehicle in his drive, they would leave finding Sloke had polished their cars as well. Terry loved to golf. In fact, he may hold the record for the most left-handed golf clubs ever purchased by a single individual. He was eternally optimistic that with a little practice and a new club or two his game was bound to continuously impress his golfng partners. He was the esteemed director of the Northern tour for over 35 years. Terry also loved to be surrounded by animals. over the years, you man have met his dogs Beta, Sophie and Gretta or Flashy the cat. The best way to care for his animal friends, he proved, was to take them wherever he went and, most importantly, to sing them special songs throughout the day. Terry was kind, warm, caring, funny and encouraging. He was both present in his daily life and actively planned for what may be possible in the future. He listened to people, considered their point of view and worked to find a way to make their lives better if he could. Terry was also an entertainer, always prepared with a joke, a rib, or a new nick-name. He was never afraid to clown around when he knew it would bring a smile. He was bigger than life and did everything in a big way On the golf course or as a volunteer charity auctioneer, his voice could be heard above all others. He was also regularly known to lead the crowds at these events in dancing to some of his favorite songs. Terry Slocum was a man of character, patience and joy. He did so much to make us the people we are today. We are thankful that we had him to learn from all these years. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. SERVICE INFORMATION Given concerns with the CVID pandemic, a small private service has been held. Details regarding a future celebration of life to be announced for this summer. If you would like to send your condolences to Carolyn ('Skeet') and the boys, they have asked that you do so through the Hurst Funeral Home digital tribute wall. Please take a few minutes to share a story and picture or even better, a video of yourself sharing a few memories of your experience with Terry. hurstfh.com/obituaries/Terrance-Lee-Slocum?olId=20226170#/obituaryInfo Contributions in Terry's name can be made to several causes, including a new endowment supporting his animal friends. Sloke's Critter Care via gacfrni.org Education Foundation of Greenville efgmi.com Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Foundation-Mail checks to; 791 South Greenville, West Drive Suite 1, Greenville,MI 48838 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/s/slocum43180nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 6.6 Kb