Torence Hadley Terrell

Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors

YAKIMA - Torance Hadley Terrell, 79, of Yakima, passed away Monday, September 2, 2013 at Cottage in the Meadow, with his daughters at his side. Torance was born June 1, 1934 in Gilbert, AR to Hadley and Venus (Fisher) Terrell. He moved to Naches with his family in 1947. In 1952, Torance graduated from Naches High School, where he was selected for the All-Valley football team, as center, his junior and senior year. He was also Middleweight Boxing Champion for the YMCA. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the army with his buddies John Dodson and Jim Thomas to follow their friend Marvin Leibert that had been drafted; a move that formed a lifelong friendship for all of them. While serving in Korea (1953-1955) he continued his boxing and football career. After his discharge, he worked for National Grocers in Yakima, then moved to Los Angeles and then on to Virginia City, NV where he became a deputy sheriff. Torance eventually returned to Yakima, where he met and married Patsy Gunderson and her two children, Mike & Debbie in 1969. They were blessed with two more daughters, Amber in 1970, and Torene in 1971. In the years that followed, Torance maintained their orchard in Selah while driving forklift for Associated Grocers, then on to Rowe Farms and Snokist until he retired.

Torance was a great man, passionate about riding his motorcycle and he deeply loved his family and friends. "Double T" will be missed, but his legacy and memories will live on in us forever! Torance is survived by his daughters, Amber (Rick) Sholtys of Yakima, Torene Terrell of Selah; brother Tom (Bonnie) Terrell of Garden Grove, CA; cousin Bob (Ginger) Terrell of Chehalis; sister-in-law Judy Terrell of Kennewick; grandchildren Shawn & Ryan Sholtys, Hope & Michael Wilkins; his beloved nieces and nephews and his dear friend Lois Green. Torance was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dave Terrell; sister Peggy Uhouse and his ex-wife and close friend, Patsy Terrell.

At his request there will be no viewing or services. We ask that you join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, September 21,2013, at 2:00 PM at the American Legion, Post 36, Yakima.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Arbor House 1, Cottage in the Meadow, and Memorial Hospice for the special care that you gave to our dad.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that anyone wanting to make donations in Torance's name, please do so in c/o The American Legion Post 36, 1120 N. 34th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.