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Benton U Terry, Jr.
1926 - October 17th, 2022
1926 - October 17th, 2022
Benton Uel Terry Jr., known to everyone as B.U. passed away October 17, 2022. B.U. was one of the last true Cowboys and Gentleman. He was born in Big Hill, Texas to Ethel and Benton Uel Terry Sr. September 10, 1926.
B.U. joined the Navy and was attached to the Marines during WWII and proudly served during the battle of Iow Jima. He showed his pride in the United States by flying a flag at his home above the saying: “For this I fought; for this I stand”.
Upon returning to the states, he attended Texas A&M University and graduated class of 1950. As a member of the track team, he medaled in the 400 yard relay. He remained a lifelong Texas Aggie. While attending college on a trip to a friend’s home, he met the love of his life Jeanette Ward Terry. “Sissy”, as many called her, and B.U. were married 63 years.
They moved to Endee, New Mexico on Christmas Eve 1950. There they raised their two daughters at the Rana ranch on the Canadian river. B.U. and Sissy later moved to Eagle Nest, New Mexico. There he continues ranching and guided elk hunts for many years before changing hats to the Terry Real-estate business in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Many of their clients became lifelong friends. After Sissy’s death, B.U. returned to his woodworking shop. He made 25 or more grandfather clocks, countless tables, cabinets, and jewelry boxes. He was still making beautiful projects until his death. He was always a perfectionist in his work.
B.U. was a proud Master Mason serving in the Tucumcari Lodge. He also served as a San Jon School Board Member for many years.
B.U. is survived by his daughters, Pat (Jeff) Casados of Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Bethe (Cutter) Cunningham of Tatum, New Mexico grandchildren, Sean (Shannen) Casados of Roanoke, Texas, Sky (Tara) Jones of Dillon, Montana, Rana (Bradley Jameson of Tatum, New Mexico, and the joy of the great grandchildren, Zeus and Shelby Casados, Murdock Benton Jones, Jax and Jett Jameson.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette “Sissy”, his parents, siblings, Bill Terry, Olivia Hahn, and Bobby Terry and granddaughter, Jessica Casados
A memorial service is planned for a later date. B.U. made friends wherever he went. The family ask, when you meet another friend of B.U.’s share an “I never will forget” story.
Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com
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Tributes
Ain Whistler
BU Terry was an icon of a man. We first met in the early eighties when he was mending fence on the on the Mutz Ranch near Willow Creek. He would be there every spring on horse back for the task. One year he made my son Aspen a bow from a willow. In all the years that followed he would always ask about that boy. How's Aspen doing? I was able to visit his shop and admire the beautiful woodwork he was creating. He showed me his arrow head collection and many good stories. He was a genuine and true presence in this Valley.
Karen Ashton
We bought an old log home from BU and Jeanette in 1994. We haggled over the electric roaster- we won. Jeanette got the glider in the house. BU always made me promise as a fellow Aggie to attend muster for him. I live in Rio Rancho and will certainly attend Muster and answer the roll call next year. Could someone from the family contact me with his graduation info please? Klj58@txstate.edu We loved BU dearly.
Terry Reed
Uncle BU was my quintessential cowboy. There is no one like him. He will forever live long in my heart.
Mike Buxton
B U allways treated us young cowboys like men , but he also expected us to do a man's job , he will b sorely missed !
Carol Baker
BU was one of a kind. My husband and I met both BU and Jeanette in 1994 when we purchased property from him. He was a 'no pressure' real estate agent and showed us several homes. After our purchase, I was lucky enough to see BU often since I was in banking. When he came into the bank, he would always say, "How's my favorite banker?" Of course, this was with his million-dollar smile and a twinkle in his eye. (I am sure he said that to all his bankers!) Lenny and I attended their annual 4th of July picnic/party often. They have a PRIME SPOT to watch the Fireworks over Eagle Nest Lake. That annual event was always fun to be involved in. Their home was packed full of local friends and some family too. His woodworking projects are incredible. His talent is amazing. Lots of wonderful memories.
Stamps Cindy
What a great man. He’s the reason I always fall in love with a Cowboy. Like my second dad. I have so many great memories of him. ❤️❤️
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