Terry Ross Archibald was born September 24, 1941, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Myra and Merit Archibald. He passed away February 10, 2013, at home after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer.
He is survived by his loving bride of forty-nine years, Judy; sons, Tony and his wife, Dana of Beaumont, TX; and Phillip and his wife, Kimberly of Seattle, WA; brother, Leland and his wife, Shelly of Pioneer Town, CA; sister-in-law, Lucia and her husband, Jack Howard of Greenville, TX; grandchildren, Terri Lee Hays and her husband, Laren of Dallas, TX; Tony Ross Archibald and his wife, Jamie of Tucson, AZ; Eric Scott Archibald and his wife, Crystal of Tucson AZ; and Eva Elaine of Everett, WA; niece, Lois Parker and her husband, Scott of Wichita Falls, TX; nephew, Clark McKnight and his wife, Jennifer of Studio City, CA; great-nieces, US Army Captain, Lucia Hardaway of Fort Hood, TX, and Shayne Lily McKnight of Studio City, CA; and last but not least, Terry’s loyal pet and companion, Gabby.
Terry spent many of his teen years working on different cattle ranches in Arizona during the summer. In his late teens, his family purchased a small hotel outside of Safford, Arizona called "Indian Hot Springs." Known for the natural mineral wells that fed a large swimming pool year-round with a constant flow of 117 degree water, Terry was the pool lifeguard. He grew to adulthood in this Arizona valley and attended Eastern Arizona Junior College. Soon after, he met and married the only love of his life, Judy.
Terry’s love for the hot dessert sun prompted his endless adventures exploring the canyons and caves and around Safford - "Dead Man’s Canyon" and "Red Knolls" were two of his favorites. Many a friend can testify to being coerced into sharing his endless treks into the unforgiving terrains he loved so dearly. Not everyone shared his spirit, but none could say no to his enthusiasm.
In 1983, Terry was recruited by Beaumont businessman Kenneth Ruddy to manage the Mercedes Benz franchise. He went on to build and operate this unique concept in Beaumont automobile dealerships for Ruddy, AutoPlex 2000.
After arriving in Southeast Texas, Terry and Judy embraced their new home, and made dear friends. Terry was active in many community organizations, including the Beaumont Symphony. In both his business and personal life, he was respected for his kindness, fairness and willingness to get the job done.
He retired from the car business in 2009 and began to pursue his talent for writing. Terry was known for his short stories – always using the pseudonym "Judy Phillips," which delighted family and friends. His unique writing style, sense of humor, and way with words made us laugh and cry.
And so it is fitting that this group of words be his final chapter.
Terry will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a genuine and caring individual and will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him.
In lieu of remembrances, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, TX 77704 or visit www.petsforpeople.org.
Terry’s wish was for those who loved him to raise a glass, make a toast, and celebrate life.
A memorial happy hour for family and friends will be posted on this website.
