Benton Terry

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