Terrence "Terry" Gregory Sheldon

A loving, joyful, and generous man

Terrence “Terry” Gregory Sheldon, 76, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, August 5th . Terry was born in Detroit, Michigan and attended Dearborn High School where he was a pole vaulter on the Track & Field team.

Terry was drafted into the U.S. Army, and following basic training at Fort Knox, KY and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he served in Vietnam from November 1966-November 1967 as a Combat Engineer in the 1st Cavalry Division. In Vietnam, he spent time in the Central Highlands (An Khe and Bong Son) and on the coast (Phan Thiet). Following his time in the army, Terry worked for 33 years at Ford Motor Company as a supervisor in the Allen Park Emissions Lab.

Terry met the love of his life, Diane, when she was babysitting across the street from his parent’s house. They married in 1973 and had countless adventures together while raising two daughters. They spent many happy days at their cottage on Grand Lake, Michigan where they enjoyed boating, motorcycle riding, and snowmobiling as a family. After retiring in 2001, Terry and Diane moved to Florida where they enjoyed new friends, golfing, traveling, and dining out. Terry also flew model airplanes as part of the Highlands Radio Control Club. He proudly served as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 7804) in Michigan and the American Legion (Post 74) in Florida.

Terry was friendly and approachable, and his family joked that he “never met a stranger”. He was a brilliant man who was exceedingly generous with his time, knowledge, and talents. He was a skilled craftsman with an outstanding knowledge of machinery. Most days you could find him tinkering in his workshop. He loved Ford mustangs, motorcycles, hunting, military and aviation history, and the history of the American Frontier.

His greatest pride and joy were his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, who will always remember his hearty laugh, brilliant storytelling, endless generosity, happy nature, sharp intellect, and boundless love.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Suzanna (Swistock), and his granddaughter, Raina Mooberry. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane (Woloszyk); daughters, Courtney Sheldon (Jason Mooberry), Kimberly Sheldon (Jesse Heineman); grandchildren, Lydia and Griffin Mooberry and Louise Heineman; several loving siblings and in-laws; and a dear childhood friend, Duane Holik. “Uncle Terry” was beloved by many nieces and nephews, all of whom he affectionately referred to as “little buddy”.

The Sheldon Family is grateful to Transitions LifeCare team for their kindness, compassion, and care. Terry’s remains will be interred at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Posen, MI, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.