Terry R. Gulledge, 85, of Jacksonville, FL, formerly of Marion, IL, died Wednesday, November 1, 2023 of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Carrier Mills, located at 109 E. Washington Street, continuing with military honors at Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills, followed by a reception at the church from 4 to 6 p.m. Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna is assisting the family.
Mr. Gulledge was born at home Jan. 8, 1938, in Harrisburg to William "Bill" and Wilma (Matthews) Gulledge of Carrier Mills. He graduated from Carrier Mills High School in 1956 and from Murray State University in Kentucky in 1960 where he joined ROTC. He became a Reserve Commissioned Officer, 2nd Lieutenant on Aug. 5, 1960.
After his basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he enlisted in the Army 3rd Infantry Division in June of 1962 serving as First Lieutenant in Germany with an honorable discharge on Aug. 26, 1968. Mr. Gulledge was a proud veteran and a World War II history buff with a special interest and love of the P-51 Mustang and other WWII aircraft.
Before his military service, he spent a few years teaching business and typing at Goreville High School in Goreville. While raising his family, Mr. Gulledge had a long 33 year career with State Farm Insurance as a claims adjuster in Marion.
Mr. Gulledge enjoyed playing and watching sports, traveling, spending time with his kids and their families and sitting on his porch with a good cigar and martini in hand chatting with friends, family or neighbors who would drop by for a visit.
Mr. Gulledge was born and raised in Southern Illinois and treasured his long-time friendships from grade school. Some of his happiest days were hanging around with his friends: Richard (Jane) Hill, Jim (Pat) Reid, Maxine (and the late, Dean) Maddox, and many who have passed before him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Cheryl (Huff) Gulledge of Jacksonville, FL; daughters, Lori Fox of Bowling Green, KY, Lynn (Greg) Baber of Monmouth, Lisa (Brent) Potts of Saint Peters, MO, Teresa Dawkins (fiancé, Kenny Fann) of Ziegler, and Michelle (Jim) Ludwig of Jacksonville, FL; 13 grandchildren, Branden Fox (partner, Faith Coles), Andrew (Riley) Fox, Ashley Baber, Jarret (Brittany) Baber, Jacob Baber, Natalie (Garren) Randolph, Nathan Potts, William Potts, Casey (Jay) Maurice, Austin (Shanna) Dawkins, Gianna Fredenburg, Portia Ludwig and Indiana Ludwig; and 11 great-grandchildren, Jace Baber, Jett Baber, Everly Baber, Shane Clerk, Chase Dawkins, Max Carter, Ryleigh, Kolton, and Karson Swank, Savannah and Emma Maurice; brothers-in-law: Robert Kieper, Karl (Jennifer) Huff; nieces, Robbie (Michael) Furlong, Kellie (Randy) Huckleberry, and Emily (Noah) Schuster; and his dog, Maisy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jo Kathryn (Gulledge) Kieper.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion POST #364, 17 Clark St., Carrier Mills, IL 62917, or the Humane Society of Southern Illinois, 95 Humane Rd., Murphysboro, IL 62966.
Condolences may be left online at baileyfh.com.
