Ricky L. "Rick" Terry, 79, of East Peoria, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born December 30, 1946 in Peoria to the late Albert and Ruth (Bays) Terry.  He married Lorraine S. "Susie" Rohl in Peoria on December 20, 1969.  She preceded him in death on April 1, 2017.

Surviving are two children, Amy (Chris) Jones of Morton, Brian (Angela) Terry of Groveland; three grandchildren, Megan and Abigail Jones, Brock Terry; sister, Linda Goldman of Portland, Oregon; and his best friend from the Navy, Mel Jones from Ocean City, Maryland.

Rick was a United States Navy Veteran.  He served on a submarine from 1965-1969 and was very proud of that.  After his military service he went to work at Caterpillar as a millwright retiring on February 1, 2011 after 42 years of service.

Rick was a wonderful husband, dad, and grandpa. A highly talented handyman, he found great joy in woodworking, building, and fixing up the home he and Susie had created together. He also loved tending to his yard and carefully maintaining the flower beds that he and Sue had started before her passing.

From his young adulthood, Rick shared a lifelong passion for classic cars. He loved nothing more than driving his Dodge Charger-perhaps a little too fast at times.

While Rick loved his children deeply, no love was greater than his love for his grandchildren: Megan, Abby, and Brock. He will be dearly missed by many. While his family grieves, they find immense comfort in knowing that he is peacefully reunited with Susie, the love of his life.

His funeral service will be at 3pm Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington with Pastor Gary Salm officiating.  Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service from 1 to 3pm at the funeral home.  Per his wishes cremation will be accorded following the service.  Rick was a casual person and wanted all attendees to please dress casual, jeans preferred.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.