Allen Dale Terrell, Sr.

Allen Dale Terrell, Sr., 69, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Tuesday, October 3, 2017.

Raised in Merryville, Dale learned early in life the values of hard work, honesty and integrity.  He had a spunky sense of humor and always knew a tall tale from better times.  And if you were ever the butt of one of his jokes, somebody somewhere is still chuckling over it.   Dale loved people.  He loved his family, he loved his children but mostly he loved his wife Jean.

Growing up, he learned the skills of diesel mechanics from his father. Throughout his life, he grew these skills working at various diesel mechanic shops in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.  He worked his way up from mechanic, shop manager and then to owing his own shop, West Side Maintenance, here in DeRidder.  Like most diesel mechanics, he was also a truck driver.  He hauled everything from concrete, to paper.  Most of his years driving were with BCT from 1994-2013 where he earned their Million Mile Driving Award.  He had nearly attained their Two Million Mile award when his love of home and family brought him off the road.  His last few months before complete retirement were spent helping his children start a new business of their own.

After his retirement, he earned the title of “The Professor” as mechanics young and experienced alike learned that there was little he didn’t just “know” about how to fix a truck.  As much as they enjoyed learning from him, he enjoyed teaching them.  He was always patient and kind to all who were willing to ask for help. Through all those years, there was his wife Jean. Always beside him, wherever they went.  Their household was always ready to take in someone in need.  To feed them, to love them until they were back on their feet again.  Love was free and freely given to all. Dale Terrell was a great man and will be missed a great many.

Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 47 years, Wilma Cooley Terrell; sons, Allen Dale Terrell, Jr. & Amanda of DeRidder, LA and Richard Johnson & Amy of Anacoco, LA; daughter, Anita Honea & Raymond of Piedmont, SC; brothers, Nathan “Buddy” Terrell & Ceilestia, Roy Terrell, Bobby Terrell and Larry Terrell all of Merryville, LA; sisters, Ellen Terrell, Sandra “Cricket” Langley and Mary Ann Terrell all of Merryville, LA; uncle, Lonnie Bush of Merryville, LA; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen & Winona Terrell and his brother, Dennis Terrell.

Visitation will begin on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 5:00-9:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Continuing visitation and service will be held Saturday, October 7, 2017, also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM.  Reverend Frank Kendall will officiate.  Burial will follow at Burks Cemetery in Merryville, LA.

We would like to thank everyone for all their prayers and support.  He will truly be missed by all.