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Terry Ray Gairhan
April 14, 1953 - March 28, 2021

Terry Ray Gairhan of Jonesboro departed this life on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR at the age of 67 years, 11 months and 14 days.  He was born Tuesday, April 14, 1953 in Trumann, AR and lived in Jonesboro the past 26 years and was formerly of Trumann.  He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Elizabeth Gairhan; and his parents, Herman and Anita Gairhan.  Terry was an extraordinary man to be around.  He graduated college from Arkansas State University with an Agriculture Economics Degree.  He was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho and has incredible bonds throughout the generations with the men of Arkansas State’s Beta Upsilon Chapter.  Later in life he continued this call to duty as a member of the Elks Lodge #498 in Jonesboro where he has made friendships that will live on in legend forever.  Wherever there was a philanthropic call to have some good times cooking, Terry made himself available.                                               Terry leaves a legacy in agriculture that will be remembered for a long time.  He began his agriculture career working for Paul Hanshaw in Jonesboro.  Later his work in ag business with several companies that eventually became Bayer moved Terry and Debbie to Sikeston Missouri, Columbus Ohio, Kansas City Missouri, and eventually he was called back home to Jonesboro. Moving back to Jonesboro as the National Sales Manager for cotton was a large achievement. Before retiring earlier this year he ended his ag career working for Nichino America.  Terry loved working with people and helping them reach their goals just as much as he prided himself in achieving his own.  “No surprises” is how Terry liked to do business, he believed people worked better as a team.     He believed in Jonesboro and loved telling people where he lived, and he was even more excited about telling people all things Red Wolf.  As a member of the ASU Marching band, he was just as proud of the half-time show as he was the winning touchdown pass.  Terry was well known as one of the first tailgaters to start the tradition outside ASU’s stadium.  If you ever attended one of these tailgates, you didn’t leave hungry. His sincere love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. From his cherished marriage of almost 43 years, to his children he never missed milestones and special moments for, to his granddaughter that he’d move mountains to spoil. And countless other siblings and “outlaws,” nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends as close as family he made feel so special with every holiday and gathering. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Wright Gairhan of the home; one son, Zachary (Kaycee) Gairhan of Jonesboro; one daughter, Emily Gairhan Boyd of Searcy, AR; one brother, Michael (Susie) Gairhan of Trumann; one granddaughter, Savannah Boyd of Searcy;nephew, Christopher (Amy) Gairhan of Marion, AR; and niece, Micha Gairhan of Helena, AR. His Great Nephews Grayson Gairhan and Croft Price.    On Debbie’s side, five brothers Mike (Janice) Wright, Jeff (Carol) Wright, Scott (Kelly) Wright, Todd Wright, Boyd  Wright A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 10th at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jonesboro with Rev. Kevin Gore officiating.  The family will receive friends after the service.       In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Terry R. Gairhan Memorial Scholarship. Checks can be made out to ASU Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State University, AR  72467 and notating Terry Gairhan in the memo.          The link for online donations is https://www.astate.edu/a/advancement/give-now/index.dot The donors should select Other and notate Terry Gairhan or mention his name in the comment section.       In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, will be what the church requires. Online guest book can be signed at www. thompsonfuneralhome.net

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Service details

Funeral Service

April 10, 2021
05:00 PM

St Marks Episcopol

Jonesboro, AR 72401

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  1. Jim & Susan Ignelzi, Naples Florida says

    Debbie: We just learned of Terry’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We hope you and the kids are doing well. We will always remember the good times (and barbecues and fish fries) with Terry, you and the family; and as our best neighbors in Columbus. Stay Well.

  2. Richard Koester, N. Little Rock says

    I am so sorry this condolence is so late. I just learned of Terry’s passing in the AGR newsletter. I worked with Terry in ACPA and truly respected him. At that I did not realize we were brothers. I am so sorry for your loss too soon. RIP brother.

  3. Blake Burrow, Little Rock, AR says

    Debbie and Family, So sorry for y’all’s loss. Terry would always go out of his way to talk with me while I was an undergrad and after graduation. Enjoyed countless conversations with him and cherished each one of them. Will be praying for y’all during this time.

  4. Mike chaffin, Russellville, Ar. says

    So sorry for your loss, praying for the family

  5. Sheila English , Paragould Ar. says

    So very sorry of the passing of Terry Gairhan, sending love and prayers as his family moves forward!! Tommy & Sheila English

  6. Cynthia Wright, Jonesboro says

    Thoughts and Prayers for God's comfort and strength.

  7. Dan Parker, Little Rock says

    Debbie, I'm am so saddened by your loss. Terry was a great man, father and husband. Always a smile on his face. May you reflect upon many special memories during this time of grief. You are in a special prayer today. Dan Parker

  8. Anita G Rothgery, Jonesboro says

    I loved Terry. He helped me so much in getting the shrimp boil started and in making it a success every year. I will miss his smiling face.

  9. DA, Malissa, and Lee Davis, Bay says

    Mike, Susie, Chris, Micha and families, we want you to know that we are thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.

  10. Susan Hanrahan, Jonesboro says

    Debbie, Zach and Emily---we are so sorry about Terry. To know him is to love him--what a fun and engaging man he was. I am not sure I can go to Astate football games anymore especially to walk through the tailgate section. Makes me sad just to think about it! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Susan Hanrahan and Harold Calkins

  11. Todd Villars, Okeechobee, Florida says

    I worked with Terry at Nichino America and always enjoyed being around Terry. He was always quick to listen and always gave good advice. I especially liked the times we would talk about life outside of work. He was so proud of his family and being a grad of Arkansas State University. I and many others of my colleagues will miss Terry immensely. Go rest high on the mountain my friend, you're work on earth is through. My prayers will be with the Gairhan family through this dificult time. God Bless!

  12. Kim Lefever, Christiana says

    Terry was a wonderful person and coworker, I am thankful for having the opportunity of getting to know him. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

  13. Mike Chaffin , Russellville says

    So sorry for your loss. Terry was always a good guy and friend. Praying for you Michael and the family. May Gods grace be upon you all!

  14. Steve North, Dyersburg says

    I was lucky enough to have followed Terry in the Bootheel of Missouri when he was promoted by Mobay, later Bayer, and also work for Terry when he was District a Manager for Bayer. He always overflowed with confidence and enthusiasm which spilled over onto anyone around him. Such a kind and compassionate man, all of the fun times we spend working together will always be cherished for a life time. Debbie, Zach and Emily you will be in my thoughts and prayers, Thank You for sharing Terry Gairhan with me it has made me truly a better person. Steve North

  15. Sherry Russell, says

    So sorry Ms. Gairhan for your loss

  16. Mary Lee Cunningham , Jonesboro says

    Debbie, may the fabulous memories you made with Terry bring comfort to you, the family and to each person whose life he touched. God bless you.

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