Obituaries

John Clifton Terry

Photo of John Clifton Terry
JOHN CLIFTON TERRY, 84, a retired Little Rock law enforcement officer who loved his family, sports and cooking up a storm for family dinners, died Oct. 11. Mr. Terry spent almost 40 years with three law enforcement agencies before his retirement in 1995. He joined the Little Rock Police Department in 1955, rising through the ranks to assistant chief by the time of his retirement in 1977. He was chief deputy in the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department from 1977-1980, and was field representative for the Regional Organized Crime Information Center from 1982-1995. "He loved his career in law enforcement and enjoyed telling stories about all his adventures," his daughter, Debbie Terry, said. During and after his career, Mr. Terry enjoyed cooking, with chili, spaghetti and barbecue sauce among his specialties. He kept small unmarked bottles of one secret-recipe sauce that he would give only to special friends or family members that he deemed worthy. "He was a wonderful cook and loved to do it for family and friends," his daughter, Julie Briere, said. "He always cooked the turkey and dressing for the extended-family Christmas gatherings." He also adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Mr. Terry was an avid Razorback fan but loved all sports. He especially enjoyed attending the 2011 World Series and watching his beloved Texas Rangers play. Mr. Terry was born Jan. 27, 1933 in Kemp, Texas, to John Bob Volley Terry & Frances Marion Clifton Terry. He graduated from Little Rock High School in 1951. He was on active duty with the Army from 1953-1955 and was in the Army Reserve until 1961. Mr. Terry married Barbara Ann Varner Terry, his surviving widow, on Jan 17, 1953. His other survivors are two daughters, Julie Briere (Chris), and Debbie Terry (Vern Timmons); granddaughters Lauren McDaniel, Michelle Briere & Nicole Briere; grandsons Andrew Terry and Matthew Terry; great-granddaughter Adalyn McDaniel; and sisters Diane Terry Eichenbaum and Mrs. Bobbye Terry Butler (Lanny). He was predeceased by daughter, Cheryl Terry and son, Scott Terry. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Fellowship North followed by a reception there. Mr. Terry will be interred at Arkansas Veteran's Cemetery. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.ArkansasCremation.com.

Published October 22, 2017

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