On December 14, 2022, Terry Davis Smith went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born February 16, 1944 to Merlin and Dorothy Davis Smith. Being the son of a career Army man, thus moving frequently, Terry went to several schools before graduating in 1961 from Hillcrest High School, in Springfield, MO. He went on to graduate from Southwest Missouri State University in 1993. He met and married the love of his life, Marilyn Thomas, August 17, 1969. In 1971 Tim joined the family, followed by his sister Tina in 1973. As the years passed, three grandchildren joined the family – Owen Thomas Smith, Mia Miller and Ali Miller.

Terry’s work history is Katz on south Glenstone, Shady Inn on Sunshine, and Litton – later to become the Advanced Circuitry division of Northrop Grumman. He retired from Litton/Northrop Grumman as a senior quality engineer at the end of a career spanning nearly 41 years. Advanced Circuitry evolved from a low technology circuit board manufacturer to one making some of the most complex ones produced. Over that period of time Terry worked in most areas of manufacturing, engineering, and quality control.

Jennifer Parker, Fair Grove Senior Center administrator and cook, Marilyn Meals, president of the center’s board, and Lucy Schmidt, a very supportive member of the center, presented Terry with a beautiful wall hanging, with “Legacy, the cumulative effects of an individual’s life which have the potential to influence future generations—manifested in those beliefs, attitudes, philosophies, talents, and traits that were impactful enough during the course of a lifetime to have continuing sway.”

Yes, Terry devoted a great deal of time and effort to see that the center was built and prospering. It certainly is prospering. On a recent day, when open faced roast beef was served, as many as 140 people enjoyed the meal and Chigger Creek Band.

On December 3, during the annual Fair Grove tree lighting ceremony, Fair Grove mayor Steve Short read a list of Terry’s accomplishments, followed by the presentation of a key from the city. Due to Terry’s health issues, he was unable to accept this great honor himself. Our grandchildren, Mia and Ali Miller and Owen Smith, and I accepted the key on his behalf.

Terry coached little league baseball. He volunteered with the Southern Baptist Chain Saw Unit, a group that cleaned up debris following a storm. He and his group went to several different locations in Missouri and Arkansas.

He and several others volunteered with a “Good To Go” group that provided meals and water for the homeless.

For several years he mowed the Historical Society grounds; not accepting any pay for his efforts.

It was his goal to give 30 gallons of blood, and over the years he accomplished that goal.

October 4, 2010, the Fair Grove Senior Center began serving a weekly meal at the Fair Grove United Methodist Church. Almost from the beginning, Terry served as vice-president, and in Leon Beaty’s absence, he served as president. He purchased most of the food/supplies in Springfield. Later on, he took over as president of the board.

He helped with the design, layout, and overseeing construction of the current center, which serves meals five days a week. To accumulate enough money, it was necessary to hold numerous raffles. The most successful of which was a gun raffle. Steve said, “Enough to equip a small militia.”

A sampling of the moneys received were $250,000 Community Development Block Grant, $350,000 Missouri Tax Credits, $200,000 Greene County Senior Services Grants, numerous Walmart, and food grants. Although Steve did not give a total, nearly $1,500,000 was the amount needed to build the facility. The center is now debt free.

The most recent grants were for a new floor, concrete steps and sidewalk from the Lions Club to the center, outside tables, and a storage building. Solar panels, saving a great deal on utilities, is Terry’s most recent acquisition.

An activity Terry helped develop and oversee each week was the music jam. The average attendance is around 60, with approximately 25 of those being musicians. This activity takes place every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, plus sisters Rue Withers and Tonni (Mark) Wofford, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For those considering how to honor Terry or show your love to his family at the funeral, please don’t send flowers or plants. Dad would much rather you make a donation to the Fair Grove Senior Center. He wanted his legacy to live on, so please support his favorite organization so they can continue all the good work he did.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 pm Monday, December 19, 2022 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. A memorial visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 pm prior to the service.