Obituary: Terry Lee Simons, 73, of Ludington

Terry Simons

Terry Lee Simons, 73, of Ludington, went to his heavenly home with Jesus on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Terry was born on Christmas day, 1951, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky to William and Nona (Closson) Simons and raised in Barryton, Michigan with his younger brothers Dale, Rick, Ron, Bruce, Billy, and sister, Tina.  He grew up hunting with his dad and brothers and learned to fish from his uncles – hobbies that would become lifetime passions he would share with many friends and family.

Terry was a competitor on the basketball court, football, baseball, and track fields at Chippewa Hills High School in Remus where he graduated in 1971.  He attended Ferris State College before he served in the United States Army in the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War as a specialist.

On September 8, 1973, Terry married Charlene Quisenberry.  He worked as a foreman for Maclean Construction Company in Ludington for nearly 40 years.  Terry was an excellent provider, a dedicated husband, and steadfast father and grandfather.  Terry remained committed to his passion for sport by coaching Ludington High School basketball for over 30 years.  He enjoyed early mornings, the great outdoors, and being near a spaniel or two.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Charlene; daughters, Noell (Salvador) Garza, and Holly (Dan) Gokee; grandchildren, Ty (Elizabeth) Garza, Mattelyn Garza, and Caleb Garza; brothers, Dale (Mary Ellen) Simons, Ron Simons, and Billy Simons; sister, Tina (Steve) Friese; beloved in-laws, Gloria (Dwight) Cook, and Dan (Debbie) Quisenberry; cousins, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Nona Simons, his brothers Rick and Bruce Simons, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and thousands of United States soldiers who never made it home from Vietnam.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at noon at Trinity Church in Ludington. Visitation begins at 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org or by mail to 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460; or the Vietnam Veterans of America online at vva.org or by mail to 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services (formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington), www.GraceCremations.com