Terry W. Laurence Sr. passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness. He is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.
Terry was born to Fred and Anna Marie Laurence Nov. 4, 1946, in Taylor. He married his wife Carol Talasek June 29, 1973.
He grew up on a farm in Shiloh, and attended school in Thrall, where he was a proud member of the Thrall High School football, basketball, baseball and track teams, and graduated in 1965.
Terry worked at Alcoa in Rockdale for over 30 years and “retired” to the Antique Mall of Texas in Round Rock for 15 years. Following this, he formally retired as a full-time grandparent.
His greatest joy in life was supporting his grandchildren in all their sporting and extra-curricular activities and may have been thrown out of a few events for his spirited passion.
Terry was a devoted Texas Longhorns sports fan (through thick and thin) and never met a slot machine he didn’t like. Working for years in
Working for years in the antique business, he enjoyed collecting insulators, McDade crocks, coins and Case knives. He was also a life-long NASCAR fan and was lucky enough to attend a race at Texas Motor Speedway with his children for Father’s Day and drove 10 laps around the track at speeds he probably also clocked on Mallard Lane in Taylor.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Eggar and Anna Marie (Jaster) Laurence; and his youngest brother, Gary Laurence.
He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Carol; son Terry W. Laurence, Jr. and wife Vicky; daughter, Melanie Laurence Martin and husband Bobby; son, Mark Laurence and wife Kathleen; grandsons, Dylan, Easton, and Eli Laurence, and Knox Martin; granddaughters, Paige, Kate, Anne, and Jill Laurence and McKenzie Martin; and great-grandson, Ares Abro. Surviving siblings are brothers, Fred Jr. and wife Carol, Donnie, Ricky and wife Cindy; and sisters, Sherry Bearden and husband Glen, Linda Laurence-Gauglitz and husband Allen, and Tina Ornelas and husband Michael.
We are honoring Terry’s wishes to have a private family-only graveside service to be officiated by Damaris Taylor. Pallbearers will be Dylan Laurence, Easton Laurence, Eli Laurence, Knox Laurence Martin, David Talasek, and Joe Talasek.
