Terry Wayne Williams

Terry Wayne Williams, 65, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home near Millersville.

Born in Cape Girardeau on June 7, 1960, to L. R. and Elfrieda Aufdenberg Williams, Terry was the oldest of three sons. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tilsit, Missouri where he was baptized and then confirmed April 17, 1974. He was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where he was active in the Men's Club and served many years as an elder.

Terry attended Jackson R-2 and was a 1978 graduate of Jackson High School. He and Caroline Reynolds were married July 6, 1979, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. Two children were born to their union, Jill and Michael.

Terry’s employment included Jackson Lumber Co. and a salesman for Manhattan Distributing. He then had a 36-year career for the Budweiser distributor, Thilenius/River Eagle/3 Eagles as a driver and salesman, retiring in December 2025 as a supervisor.

Terry enjoyed the simple pleasure of being outdoors. He was especially passionate about deer hunting, having hunted for 55 years in a row. He also enjoyed working with his hands and gardening and doing projects around the house.

Loving survivors include his wife of 46 years, Caroline Williams of Millersville; children, Jill Carlile of Jackson and Michael (Casey) Williams of Portsmouth, Virginia; grandchildren, Carter (Ella) Williams, Dalainey Eldridge, Rayden Whitlock, Curtis Carlile; Xander, Emmit, Waylon, Zsuzsanna and Roland Williams; Brothers, Alan (Jani) Williams, Scott (Renee) Williams and nephews and nieces, Brayden and Carson Williams, Ursulla (Doug) Wadley, Nathaniel (Leelee) Reid, and a host of extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Caroline’s parents, and three brothers.

A memorial visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct a memorial service at noon, Thursday, April 23, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and memorial gifts, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Paul Lutheran School or Church.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath this article.