Terry Lane Williamson

Terry Lane Williamson, 76 of Midland, a decorated veteran, proud husband and father, beloved friend and loyal follower of Jesus Christ, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022 surrounded by his family.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at The Branch at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Midland. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Terry was born on January 27, 1946 in Snyder, Texas to J.C. and Dorothy LaRue Williamson.

Terry graduated from Snyder High School in 1964 and Texas Tech University in 1969 with a degree in Journalism.

After graduating from Texas Tech, Terry enlisted in the United States Army and boldly served our country in Vietnam as part of the 198th Infantry Brigade, 1/52nd Infantry, Company B. Terry was honored for his service with a bronze star, a combat infantry badge and two commendation medals. His time in Vietnam also included serving as a field string reporter for the Army news publication Stars and Stripes, there receiving two writing awards for his work. He completed his military service at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and was honorably discharged in 1971.

Terry began his career with the Midland Reporter Telegram in January 1972, and he would proudly document the history of the Midland and Permian Basin sports scene for the next 41 years. He followed his mentor and friend Ted Battles as Sports Editor in 1988. Terry was a two-time Hearst Eagle Award winner, won six Associated Press first-place writing awards and two Associated Press Sports Editors writing awards. The highlight of his storied career came in 1988 when he was selected as the Texas Sports Writer of the Year.

Following a health setback in 2002, Terry spent his last eleven years at the MRT in various roles including a featured sports columnist and the newspaper’s editorial writer. He retired in 2013.

Terry married the love of his life June Westfall on February 22, 1970. The two shared 52 years building a family legacy through their Christ-centered relationship. They are long-time active members of First Baptist Church Midland where Terry taught a couples Sunday school class for more than 25 years. Their greatest joy was raising their two daughters Shane and Regina. They loved their retirement days together both traveling the world via more than 20 cruises as well as watching their family grow with the addition of four grandchildren.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Dorothy LaRue Williamson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, June; his two daughters, Shane Dockrey and husband Justin of Midland, and Regina Penney and husband Andy of Abilene; four grandchildren, Jaycee and Sadie Dockrey as well as Drew and Cooper Penney; sister Jan Beckett of Colorado Springs, CO, and brother Dennis of Ft. Worth.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff of FBC Midland as well as the doctors and health care workers who dedicate their lives tending and taking care of patients.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the FBC Midland Bible Drill program, the FBC Midland Jail Ministry or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.