Obituary of Bob G. Terry

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Southern Gospel Music DJ, Bob Terry, went to his eternal home in heaven on February 12, 2025 in Laramie, WY. Bob was born Bobby Grafton Terry on July 28, 1935, to Homer C. and Edith G. Terry in El Dorado, AR. He often joked that he was born on a Sunday and in church by the following Wednesday night. As a youth, he was on the boxing team and played the snare drum in the band. When his father took a job in Pine Bluff, AR, Bob moved with his family and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1953. On January 24, 1964, Bob married the love of his life, Ruth McCurly. He always said he "grew up under Ruthie," as she was undoubtedly the boss and kept him in line. Together, they built a home and a life in Crossett, AR, welcoming their daughter, June, in 1966. Bob worked for Georgia Pacific as a truck driver in the chemical division, earning a place in the prestigious Million Mile Club three times for driving accident-free for over a million miles. After 34 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1996. Bob’s passion for Southern Gospel music led him to radio broadcasting. In 1989, he launched The Gospel Music Hour on Crossett’s small station, KAGH, with a mission to give local Ark-La-Miss talents airtime. He later brought the program to KNOE in Monroe, LA, where he hosted for 15 years. Today, The Gospel Music Hour is celebrating 36 years on the air. After moving to Farmerville, LA, in 2005, Bob continued sharing Southern Gospel music on KZ 107.5 in Ruston for eight years. When he relocated to Buffalo, NY, to be closer to his daughter, he joined WDCX Christian Radio, expanding his reach to over 3 million listeners in Western New York and Canada. Beyond radio, Bob was a passionate advocate for the Southern Gospel music community. He was instrumental in founding the Ashley County Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, dedicating himself to recognizing, promoting, and encouraging artists and groups in the genre. His influence and dedication to the ministry of gospel music left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire. For the last 10 years, Bob lived in Laramie, WY. He lovingly cared for his beloved Ruth until her passing in 2021. Afterward, he became an active and invaluable member of his community at Regency Retirement Residence. Since 2022, he served on the Board of Directors as Vice President, offering his wisdom, humor, and generosity to those around him. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Ruth. He is survived by his daughter, June, her husband Kenny, 2 grandchildren, Grafton and Gracelyn, and countless friends who loved him like family. Bob’s presence was cherished by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, leaving a lasting impact on his community. There will be a celebration of life service honoring Bob at 2 PM, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home, with Bro. Tim Post officiating. Private interment will take place in the Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum, El Dorado Arkansas. A time of visitation with the family will precede the service, beginning at 12 noon.