James Terry Ake

James Terry Ake, 64, of Tuscola, Texas passed away in the early hours of the morning on October 9, 2022. Terry was born on July 30, 1958 in Brady, Texas to the late James and Loraine Ake. He grew up in Abilene, Texas where he participated in FFA and 4H. Terry met his soul mate and love of his life, Debbie Gill, at church camp in 1973. He graduated from Wyle High School in May of 1977 then married Debbie on July 22, 1977. At the time, Terry and Debbie had $300 to their name. Together they built a life and a family relying on their love and faith in God. They celebrated 45 years of marriage this year. Their oldest daughter, Misty, was born on July 28, 1987, then their youngest daughter, Meagan, was born June 7, 1990. Terry was a devoted father and loving husband. His girls were his pride and joy, until his grandson Bryson was born to Meagan and her husband, Jonathan Urbanzcyk, on July 2, 2019. Terry cherished his role of “Poopsey”, aka Bryson’s grandpa. His favorite thing to do was ride the buggy with Bryson and feed the deer and the neighbor’s cows. Terry was excited for the upcoming birth of his second grandson, Braxton Urbanczyk, in December 2022.

Terry had a successful career in the oilfield business. He was working for Return Mountain when he passed away. He was a hard worker, generous, and had the best sense of humor. Those who knew Terry have been pranked by Terry. His biggest pranks were thought out and executed with a serious face. It is safe to say Terry was always up to something. More importantly, Terry was a great and loyal friend to all who knew him. He always went above and beyond for those who called him friend, and he never met a stranger. Quality time with Terry was best spent in a hunting blind. Terry can be described as an avid outdoorsman. He spent countless hours hunting and fishing since the time he could walk. Whether he was hunting birds or big game, Terry was all in. Even more exciting for Terry than shooting a trophy buck himself, was watching his daughter Meagan shoot a trophy buck. Terry loved taking Meagan hunting and passing down his love for the outdoors. Terry enjoyed spending time out on his property in Junction, Texas where many memories were made and stories were told. He was a member of Abilene Clay Sports and liked shooting skeet on Thursday nights.

Terry is proceeded in death by his parents, James and Dottie Loraine Ake and his mother-in-law, Ann Rose. Terry leaves behind his loving wife, Debbie Ake; daughters, Misty Gutting and husband Brian, Meagan Urbanczyk and husband Jonathan; grandchildren, Bryson and Braxton Urbanczyk; brother, Scott Ake and wife Heather; two nieces, several cousins, and many friends.

Visitation will be held at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, TX on Sunday, October 16th from 4-6 pm. Funeral services will be held at Wylie Baptist Church on Monday, October 17th at 1:30 pm. This is where Terry and Debbie were engaged and married. Burial will be at the Buffalo Gap Cemetery following the service. Feel free to wear camo clothing in honor of Terry.

Terry was a member of 4H as a kid and enjoyed shooting skeet and traps. As an adult, had a passion for teaching kids how to hunt. In luei of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Abilene Clay Sports to help benefit their 4H program and the avid hunters who enjoy shooting sporting clays.  Abilene Clay Sports, 1102 E Spur 707, Abilene, TX 79602.